Writer and explorer, fighter and reformer, scholar, historian, statesman, and sage; Theodore Roosevelt disdained idleness. “In this life, we get nothing save by effort,” said the Panama-Canal-Building, Nobel-Peace-Prize-winning President. “I never won anything without hard labor and…working long in advance.” In fact, the “highest form of success,” Roosevelt said, comes “to the man who does not shrink from danger, from hardship, or from bitter toil.” Listen in now to this episode of the Classic Influence Podcast, and discover how Theodore Roosevelt became first an apostle, and, ultimately, the champion and exemplar of the Strenuous Life. This episode also exposes the frightening prospects for those preoccupied with comfort, convenience, and ease. Finally, you’ll learn how hard work and strenuous action are like secret weapons of success enabling you to achieve what Roosevelt called “the splendid ultimate triumph.”
According to legend, Ragnar Lothbrok was the most famous Viking of his age, and he remains one of the greatest heroes of Viking history. But did a Viking leader named Ragnar Lothbrok actually exist? In this episode of Classic Influence, we’ll explore the power of this everlasting legend, and why the Vikings told and retold his story over and over again. This episode also reveals the power of story, legend and myth, and how a compelling epic can shape and, ultimately, transform the future. Drawing on the example of Ragnar Lothbrok, Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar and others, this episode also unmasks the power of your personal story, and the cardinal importance of assuming your rightful role as both the author and the protagonist of your own heroic life history, and the power the storyteller role plays in the pursuit of your grand aspirations and goals.
Classic Influence Mission: Our mission is to join you in your journey to the top by bringing to life the stories of the heroes of history and superstars of success, extracting and distilling their insights and wisdom into practical action steps, strategies, tactics, tips, and mental tools that you can use in your own life to achieve your own most daring dreams and goals.
For additional resources, updates and more, please visit us online at Classic Influence.
Nero stands out as one of the most monstrous, and universally hated emperors in the long history of the Roman empire. And, yet, the reign of the once popular emperor began in relative peace. What allowed for such a dramatic transformation? Were there any early signs of what barbaric slaughtering was to come? In this episode of the Classic Influence Podcast, we’ll travel back to ancient Rome and watch as Nero, flooded with unquenchable hubris, burns his own ambitions to the ground. Drawing on the wisdom of ancient Greece, celebrated theologians, and modern presidents, this episode explores why hubris is at the dead center of the most toxic of human emotions. For those with enough foresight and social intelligence to appreciate just how hazardous hubris can be—the key lesson from Nero’s life—this episode also reveals a few key tips for keeping a grip on this most treacherous of emotional states.
Swamped with political ambition and romantic intrigue, the saga of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh, Cleopatra VII, has captivated historians and storytellers throughout history, from Plutarch in ancient Greece, and Shakespeare in early 17th century England, to screenwriters in Hollywood to this day. Cleopatra remains one of the most famous female rulers in history. Often portrayed as a sexy femme fatale, however, Cleopatra was not the classic beauty that we’ve been made to believe. Rather it was her cunning and charisma, her savvy and self-belief that enabled Cleopatra to make her mark on the world. In this episode of the Classic Influence Podcast, we’ll explore how Cleopatra defied the political patriarchy of Egypt, outwitted her brother, Ptolemy XIII, and, ultimately, influenced the great Roman military and political leader, Julius Caesar, to be a faithful ally in full support of her ambition to rule the Egyptian empire. Grounded in modern management research, ancient military strategy, and the practical wisdom of the legendary 19th century showman, P.T. Barnum, this episode also reveals the vital necessity of dealing with difficult facts head on, and the power of maintaining a constant connection with the brutal truth, including the critical feedback you desperately need to succeed.
John F. Kennedy is widely regarded as one of America’s most popular presidents. On matters of leadership, communication ability, and social intelligence, political scientists and historians continue to rank Kennedy as one of the greats. In this episode of the Classic Influence Podcast we explore how President Kennedy responded to his biggest blunder as President, the Bay of Pigs fiasco, and the leadership lessons we can learn from his response. Drawing on the wisdom of ancient Greek philosophers and modern management scholars, this episode also reveals one of the most common causes of failure, along with a couple of key tactics you can adopt to avoid this type of mistake, and significantly improve your probability of success.
Revealing the surprising power of mental maps, this episode of the Classic Influence Podcast takes you on a journey to the diamond mines of Golconda, and extracts the lessons we can learn from the tragic loss of the Persian farmer depicted in Civil War captain Russell Conwell's most famous essay, "Acres of Diamonds." Drawing on Henry David Thoreau's experience living in the woods at Walden Pond, this episode also briefly explores the power of the unconscious mind, and the inherent inclination for people to slip into mindless mental habits and routines, often undermining their own deeply held desire to succeed. Geared toward avoiding the mental traps and flawed conceptual maps that so often hold people back, this episode concludes with a few key tactics you can adopt to improve your thinking, and, therefore, your decisions and your life.
About Your Host: Harvard and Columbia trained researcher Dr. Johnny Welch is a recognized authority on leadership, power, and influence. He is the author of Mastering the Power of Grit, and the upcoming book The Magic of Assuming Command. Along with his work as a professional speaker, he teaches a graduate course on leadership at Columbia University. Johnny currently lives in San Diego and, in his free time, enjoys weightlifting, running, traveling and, above all, surfing on some clean, hollow, warm water waves.
Classic Influence Mission: Our mission is to join you in your journey to the top by bringing to life the stories of the heroes of history and superstars of success, extracting and distilling their insights and wisdom into practical action steps, strategies, tactics, tips, and tools that you can use to achieve your own most daring dreams and goals.
For additional resources, updates and more, please visit us online at Classic Influence.
Blackbeard remains the most famous pirate in the entire Golden Age of Piracy, and for good reason. In this episode of the Classic Influence Podcast, we'll examine the key characteristics that set Blackbeard apart from the pack, and how this cunning pirate captain used the power of a fearsome image to achieve his aim. We'll also briefly explore the five most fundamental factors in creating an effective image or personal brand, a vital part of the process of maximizing your influence and power. Finally, you'll discover why the most effective impressions must begin with a deep understanding of your audience.
About Your Host: Harvard and Columbia trained researcher Dr. Johnny Welch is a recognized authority on leadership, power, and influence. He is the author of Mastering the Power of Grit, and the upcoming book The Magic of Assuming Command. Along with his work as a professional speaker, he teaches a graduate course on leadership at Columbia University. Johnny currently lives in San Diego and, in his free time, enjoys weightlifting, running, traveling and, above all, surfing on some clean, hollow, warm water waves.
Classic Influence Mission: Our mission is to join you in your journey to the top by bringing to life the stories of the heroes of history and superstars of success, extracting and distilling their insights and wisdom into practical action steps, strategies, tactics, tips, and tools that you can use in your own life to achieve your own most daring dreams and goals.
For additional resources, updates and more, please visit us online at http://www.classicinfluence.com/
Surveying the disciplined strategy, transforming leadership, and dogged determination of General George Washington during the American Revolutionary War, this episode of the Classic Influence Podcast reveals three key lessons we can learn from Washington’s effective prosecution of the war in the years leading up to the alliance with France. Looking back to the wisdom of the ancient Greeks, echoed in the insights of modern social science, this episode also reveals the power of the paradox of self-reliance. Finally, illustrating how this theme surfaces repeatedly throughout history—beginning at least as far back as classical Roman mythology—you will develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for why self-reliance is so fundamental to your ultimate success.
Examining the extraordinary experience and soaring example of President Abraham Lincoln, this episode of the Classic Influence Podcast explores one of the vital, indispensable prerequisites of success. Unmasking the secret behind the greatness of legendary leaders like Lincoln, this episode also reveals how people are so often duped into giving their power away. You will also discover how the ultimate ownership mindset leads directly to the power and strength you need to achieve your ultimate dream.
If you like this show, then you’ll love Mastering the Power of Grit, available as an ebook or a paperback on Amazon. Following a format similar to this show, shared through their own compelling stories, Mastering the Power of Grit reveals the timeless lessons learned from the legends of grit, and the corresponding strategies, tactics, tips and tools you can use to master the power of grit to achieve your own most daring dreams and goals.
For additional resources, updates and more, be sure to subscribe to our email list by visiting us online at http://www.classicinfluence.com/ownership
Drawing on the experience and beliefs of Napoleon Bonaparte and his “lucky star,” this episode of the Classic Influence Podcast examines the extraordinary power that becomes yours through simple self-belief. Grounded in the success literature and the academic literature in positive psychology, you will also learn strategies and tactics you can adapt to develop your own unshakeable self-belief, the indispensable prerequisite for achieving your greatest ambitions and goals.
If you like this show, then you’ll love my book, Mastering the Power of Grit, available as an ebook or a paperback on Amazon. Following a format similar to this show, shared through their own compelling stories, Mastering the Power of Grit reveals the timeless lessons learned from the legends of grit, and the corresponding strategies, tactics, tips and tools you can use to master the power of grit to achieve your own most daring dreams and goals.
For additional resources, updates and more, be sure to subscribe to our email list by visiting us online at http://www.classicinfluence.com/belief
Exploring the roots of Cornelius Vanderbilt’s early success as a budding titan in the transportation industry, this episode of the Classic Influence Podcast is designed to enhance your understanding, and deepen your appreciation for the importance of self-reliance to your success. Drawing on the wisdom of some of the early self-help thinkers, this episode will also help you to gain a better understanding of how a lack of independence, autonomy, and self-will can leave you weak and vulnerable, ultimately stunting your growth, and undermining your efforts to succeed.
If you like this show, then you’ll love my book, Mastering the Power of Grit, available as an ebook or a paperback on Amazon. Following a format similar to this show, shared through their own compelling stories, Mastering the Power of Grit reveals the timeless lessons learned from the legends of grit, and the corresponding strategies, tactics, tips and tools you can use to master the power of grit to achieve your own most daring dreams and goals.
For additional resources, updates and more, be sure to subscribe to our email list by visiting us online at http://www.classicinfluence.com/selfreliance
Drawing on one of the transforming incidents in the early days of P.T. Barnum’s life as a showman and promoter, in this episode of the Classic Influence Podcast you’ll discover the indispensable role of risk in seizing ambitious opportunities, overcoming limits, and conquering unfamiliar terrain, and how bold, calculated risk-taking is often what separates the superstars of success from the vast majority who are merely mediocre. You will also learn five key tactics you can use to strengthen your capacity to run more and greater risks, as you learn to take the bold actions necessary to expand and accelerate your success.
If you like this show, then you’ll love my book, Mastering the Power of Grit, available as both an ebook and a paperback on Amazon. Following a format similar to this show, shared through their own compelling stories, Mastering the Power of Grit reveals the timeless lessons learned from the legends of grit, and the corresponding strategies, tactics, tips and tools you can use to master the power of grit to achieve your own most daring dreams and goals.
For additional resources, updates and more, be sure to subscribe to our email list by visiting us online at http://www.classicinfluence.com/risk
Continuing with the life story of Cesare Borgia, this episode of the Classic Influence Podcast explores Cesare’s approach to dealing with the Borgia family’s nemesis, Cardinal Giuliano della Rovere (who later became Pope Julius II), as an illustration of the dangers of failing to think strategically. In this episode, you’ll discover the power of maintaining a strategic perspective, and the significance of expanding your perspective to include the broader context of your strategy, tactics, decisions, and goals. This episode concludes with four core strategic lessons we can learn from Cesare Borgia’s fall from power.
If you like this show, then you’ll love my book, Mastering the Power of Grit, available as both an ebook and a paperback on Amazon. Following a format similar to this show, shared through their own compelling stories, Mastering the Power of Grit reveals the timeless lessons learned from the legends of grit, and the corresponding strategies, tactics, tips and tools you can use to master the power of grit to achieve your own most daring dreams and goals.
For additional resources, updates and more, be sure to subscribe to our email list by visiting us online at http://www.classicinfluence.com/strategy
Exploring the remarkable power of your time horizon, this episode of the Classic Influence Podcast reveals the surprising benefits of aligning with and orienting to the long view. Drawing on the life story of Cesare Borgia and his father, Pope Alexander VI, as well as the research of former Harvard professor of political science Edward Banfield, you will also learn the hazards of failing to implement this essential mental frame and how to avoid them, and three key application tools for helping to ensure your success. Finally, you will discover the single most critical secret of self-discipline.
If you like this show, then you’ll love my book, Mastering the Power of Grit, available as both an ebook and a paperback on Amazon. Following a format similar to this show, shared through their own compelling stories, Mastering the Power of Grit reveals the timeless lessons learned from the legends of grit, and the corresponding strategies, tactics, tips and tools you can use to master the power of grit to achieve your own most daring dreams and goals.
For additional resources, updates and more, be sure to subscribe to our email list by visiting us online at http://www.classicinfluence.com/timehorizon
In this episode of the Classic Influence Podcast, we examine the role and importance of ambition to your success, and how misguided social norms can unintentionally sabotage your best efforts. Looking to the example of Arnold Schwarzenegger, and drawing on the wisdom of Martin Luther King Jr., this episode also serves as a sort of call to arms for you to raise the bar and reexamine your focus in light of your true, perhaps hidden, aspirations.
If you like this show, then you’ll love my book, Mastering the Power of Grit, available as both an ebook and a paperback on Amazon. Following a format similar to this show, shared through their own compelling stories, Mastering the Power of Grit reveals the timeless lessons learned from the legends of grit, and the corresponding strategies, tactics, tips and tools you can use to master the power of grit to achieve your own most daring dreams and goals.
For additional resources, updates and more, be sure to subscribe to our email list by visiting us online at http://www.classicinfluence.com/ambition
In this episode of the Classic Influence Podcast, we reveal some of the key lessons we can learn from Huey Long’s 1928 campaign for governor of Louisiana, including the importance of transcending rules, boundaries, and cultural norms in order to get attention, gain power, and meet the needs of your tribe, or your own individual purpose and goals. We also look at how people can get trapped by the status quo, and how culture can be used and abused to reinforce the existing power structure. Finally, we explore the importance of being mindful, strategic and purposeful in regards to how the rules, norms, beliefs, and values of organizations and society can subtly constrict your thinking and, thereby, limit your vision, ambition, and goals.
If you like this show, please share it with a friend. Also, please check out the book, Mastering the Power of Grit. Following a similar format as this show, shared through their own compelling stories, Mastering the Power of Grit reveals the timeless lessons learned from the legends of grit and the corresponding strategies, tactics, tips and tools you can use to master the power of grit to achieve your own most daring dreams and goals.
For show notes, music credits, sources for quotes, and other works cited, as well as any relevant pictures, maps, graphics, updates and more, visit us online at http://www.classicinfluence.com/show
In this episode of the Classic Influence Podcast, we examine a revealing experience of Theodore Roosevelt in the Dakota Badlands. We’ll also explore a few lessons we can learn from his experience as well as a few of the tactics he used for overcoming his fear. We also look briefly at Eleanor Roosevelt’s experience during the women’s rights movement, and her approach to dealing with her own fears. This episode emphasizes the importance of both your actions and beliefs in regards to fear and how to adopt the most resourceful mindset about confidence and courage, one that will serve you throughout your life.
If you like this show, please share it with a friend. Also, please check out the book, Mastering the Power of Grit. Following a similar format as this show, shared through their own compelling stories, Mastering the Power of Grit reveals the timeless lessons learned from the legends of grit and the corresponding strategies, tactics, tips and tools you can use to master the power of grit to achieve your own most daring dreams and goals.
For show notes, music credits, sources for quotes, and other works cited, as well as any relevant pictures, maps, graphics, updates and more, visit us online at http://www.classicinfluence.com/show
In this episode of the Classic Influence Podcast, we look at the strategy Walter Chrysler used to crack into the automobile manufacturing business. We explore a few lessons we can learn from Chrysler, as well as a couple of short anecdotes from other historical legends, including General Stonewall Jackson and theoretical physicist Albert Einstein. This episode emphasizes the value of maintaining perspective, optimizing time, and hustling while you wait.
If you’re enjoying this show, please share it with a friend. Also, please check out my new book, Mastering the Power of Grit. Following the same format of this show, shared through their own compelling stories, Mastering the Power of Grit reveals the timeless lessons learned from the legends of grit and the corresponding strategies, tactics, tips and tools you can use to master the power of grit to achieve your own most daring dreams and goals.
For show notes, music credits, sources for quotes, and other works cited, as well as any relevant pictures, maps, graphics, updates and more, visit us online at http://www.classicinfluence.com/show
In this episode of the Classic Influence Podcast, we explore the story of Scottish buccaneer and navigator Alexander Selkirk—the inspiration behind the legend of Robinson Crusoe—and the wisdom and insights we can gain from his experience as a castaway on an uninhabited island off the coast of Chile. We explore the significance of self-reliance and resourcefulness, and the need to lean into your challenges.
If you like this show, I encourage you to check out the book, Mastering the Power of Grit. Following the same format of this show, shared through their own compelling stories, Mastering the Power of Grit reveals the timeless lessons learned from the legends of grit and the corresponding strategies, tactics, tips and tools you can use to master the power of grit to achieve your own most daring dreams and goals.
For show notes, music credits, sources for quotes, and other works cited, as well as any relevant pictures, maps, graphics, updates and more, visit us online at http://www.classicinfluence.com/show
In this episode of the Classic Influence Podcast, we explore the success philosophy of the legendary seducer Giacomo Casanova. We also touch on some of the overlapping ideas from thinkers as diverse as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Andrew Carnegie.
If you like this show, I encourage you to check out my new book, Mastering the Power of Grit. Following the same format of this show, shared through their own compelling stories, Mastering the Power of Grit reveals the timeless lessons learned from the legends of grit, and the corresponding strategies, tactics, tips and tools you can use to master the power of grit to achieve your own most daring dreams and goals.
For show notes, music credits, sources for quotes, and other works cited, as well as any relevant pictures, maps, graphics, updates and more, visit us online at http://www.classicinfluence.com/show
In this episode of the Classic Influence Podcast, we’ll look at the development of the H-4 Hercules (Howard Hughes’ Spruce Goose), around the time of World War II, and the lessons we can learn from Howard Hughes' experience, including the importance of commitment, risk, hard work, follow through and conviction. We’ll also discuss one of the secrets of Hughes’ success.
If you like this show, I encourage you to check out my new book, Mastering the Power of Grit. Following the same format of this show, shared through their own compelling stories, Mastering the Power of Grit reveals the timeless lessons learned from the legends of grit, and the corresponding strategies, tactics, tips and tools you can use to master the power of grit to achieve your own most daring dreams and goals. It’s available as both an ebook and a paperback on Amazon.
For show notes, music credits, sources for quotes, and other works cited, as well as any relevant pictures, maps, graphics, updates and more, visit us online at http://www.classicinfluence.com/show
In this episode of the Classic Influence Podcast, we’ll explore the vision of Walt Disney, the role that a great dream or grand aspiration plays in ensuring your success, and how you can cultivate your dream until it becomes your own fantastic obsession.
If you like this show, I encourage you to check out my new book, Mastering the Power of Grit. Following the same format of this show, shared through their own compelling stories, Mastering the Power of Grit reveals the timeless lessons learned from the legends of grit, and the corresponding strategies, tactics, tips and tools you can use to master the power of grit to achieve your own most daring dreams and goals. It’s available as both an ebook and a paperback on Amazon.
For show notes, music credits, sources for quotes, and other works cited, as well as any relevant pictures, maps, graphics, updates and more, visit us online at http://www.classicinfluence.com/show
In this episode of the Classic Influence Podcast, we look at John F. Kennedy’s decision to run for President, the pushback he faced from within his own party, and the lessons we can learn from his response, including the critical importance of being the master of your own fate.
If you like this show, I encourage you to check out my new book, Mastering the Power of Grit. Following the same format of this show, shared through their own compelling stories, Mastering the Power of Grit reveals the timeless lessons learned from the legends of grit, and the corresponding strategies, tactics, tips and tools you can use to master the power of grit to achieve your own most daring dreams and goals. It’s available as both an ebook and a paperback on Amazon.
For show notes, music credits, sources for quotes, and other works cited, as well as any relevant pictures, maps, graphics, updates and more, visit us online at http://www.classicinfluence.com/show
In this episode of the Classic Influence Podcast, we’ll explore the role and importance of initiative and the ownership mindset in your success. Drawing on the experience of Captain Andrew Rowan and President McKinley’s famous “message to Garcia” during Cuba’s war of independence from Spain, as well as the reception of Elbert Hubbard’s essay, “A Message to Garcia,” you’ll begin to see the surprising influence of men and women of initiative. You will also discover the one factor that makes this quality so essential to your success.