Integrity Isn’t Optional: How Service-Led Leadership Rebuilds Trust With Chip Webster

[00:00:02] What if you let love, not fear, lead your life and your leadership? I'm Carolyn Cooper, and I've learned that true leadership isn't about perfection. It's about daring to be vulnerable, holding your vision in the darkness, and trusting your soul to guide you home.

[00:00:28] Welcome to the Love Inspired Leadership Podcast, a sacred space where every moment invites you to aim higher with love and purpose. Here, we don't just talk about leadership, we redefine it. Let's dive in.

[00:00:51] Welcome back to the Love Inspired Leadership Podcast. We are both super happy that you are here. I have a great guest for you today that I think will bring you some really profound concepts, insights, ideas, and solutions for you.

[00:01:15] He's been on a very interesting expedition in his life, and I will introduce you to him. But first of all, I just want to share with you, the audience, how grateful I am that you've made the decision to be here.

[00:01:32] And I think you're here for a reason. And I think this episode will contribute to your life and your business and in that position of making the decision to be a love-inspired leader.

[00:01:48] And what I love about the space the most, I was just sharing it with Chip before we got on here, is I love the conversations and where we get to go because podcasts is a space and a place that we can speak truth, deep truth. And that's my intention. So let's dive in here. Let me introduce you to Chip and we'll go for it.

[00:02:14] So I'm super honored to welcome Chip Webster. He is a mentor, a strategic consultant, author, and lifelong advocate for service-led leadership. I mean, Chip, you and I have that in common. I mean, I've been in business 45 years, and that's always been my intention from my heart, service-led leadership.

[00:02:41] So after decades of mentoring CEOs and guiding organizations through growth as well as challenge, Chip founded Unity in Service. It is a nonprofit devoted to rebuilding trust and restoring unity through volunteerism and civic action.

[00:03:05] And that just feels good, his work reminds us that leadership is not only about influence. It's about integrity and the courage to choose what's right, even when it costs us comfort. Chip, you are speaking my language. I am so excited to see where we're going to go here.

[00:03:30] So to the audience, I just want to let the audience know, if you've ever been feeling the weight of division in our world and wondering how one person can make a difference, this conversation is for you. So thank you, Chip, for being here. I'm excited. So let's just dive in, shall we? Sure.

[00:04:00] Okay, so where we're going to start is integrity as a leadership compass. So can you take us back to that early time, and I know this is a little while ago, as, you know, to the time where you were really an early executive in your career?

[00:04:22] And what was it that first shaped your understanding of leadership and the responsibility of that? Well, I guess I had a chance for a little history to watch my dad, who was principal of Palm Springs High School in California. And we had a lot of movie stars, kids running around the campus, and then a lot of the kids that were the servants or mates for those people.

[00:04:50] It was a small high school, and so we all knew each other. And the school board wanted him to kind of favor some of the more affluent kids. And he told them to go to health and quit at a board meeting. He quit? He quit. He walked away. Oh, I love it. And didn't have anything, you know, specific. So he ended up selling real estate for a little bit of time.

[00:05:16] He sold the house to Walt Disney and to William Bendix, a few other people like that in Palm Springs. There were small houses then. Nothing was ostentatious like now. This is still the 50s, early 60s. And then ended up running the television cable. So he took a step out on faith and ambassador temper of camera. Yeah. And integrity. Absolutely.

[00:05:44] He took a stand for what he knew was right, even at the cost of everything. Right. Right. Well, it turns out he got elected to the school board two years later, unanimously. But he vacated the seat because he had been recruited by Ambassador Kemper of Kemper Insurance to run the Kemper Foundation, which was just a wonderful job for him.

[00:06:14] So two weeks before my senior year, as I was getting ready to start football practice, he said, we're moving to Chicago. And being from California, I said, where's that? Anything east of the California border was a different world. And so it turned out to be a wonderful experience for him. And actually, it worked out well for me, too.

[00:06:37] But taking that stand and fast forward, I don't know, 10 years, I had been recruited as a young guy. He was in my late 20s. I ended up being a group vice president of a New York stock exchange company running five little companies. And a person recruited me I had known from my previous job. And he had given me a speech. I was a young guy. This was at Sears.

[00:07:08] Saying, you know, you don't mess with the women at work. You know, you just keep your nose clean and, you know, be a straight arrow, which, you know, that's my dad. My dad had told me that, too. So I was living that. And then when he took over as CEO and chairman of the board of the company, he hired me to come in. And it was a great opportunity. But it turned out that he thought he was God's gift to women. And he was not living his values.

[00:07:36] I just went in one day and said, you know what? I can't do this anymore. I'm out of here. I had no job. But by doing that, it's interesting. Sears, who never hires anybody back, first of all said I could come back, which they knew what kind of guy he was. I didn't.

[00:07:55] They told a company in California, if you want to do business with us, you have to hire Chip, which is a pretty good job recommendation from then the biggest retailer in the world. No. And it opened doors and through the windy road and I ended up becoming involved with Vistage, which was really my calling in 1987. So it was a circuitous path, just like my dad. You know, he sold real estate.

[00:08:24] Well, you know. Ended up doing what he loved. Well, and the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. You know, I mean, I have left positions that were out of alignment, that within my own core values, truth and honesty, integrity, faith. And when I made those decisions, I knew it was the right decision.

[00:08:48] It was done from a place of taking a stand for what was right. And that's what I love that your dad did and you did too. And I think we're always guided and blessed when that happens anyhow. So I loved hearing the magic that happens after because I look at that as evidence. That that is the right decision on the right path.

[00:09:18] Even though at the moment you think you're giving up everything that's important. Yet the truth is, the truth is, the big T truth is here. Your internal voice of wisdom knows what's right. Yeah. Was it one of my friends, actually was from Seattle, said, don't trust your gut, obey it. Yes. Exactly. Follows through. So I'm right now.

[00:09:45] Now, how did promoting the first woman into management at that particular time influence your belief in leadership as a force of dignity and change? And what years are we talking? Because, I mean, I'm 67, Chip. I mean, I was born 1958. Okay. So I've always been in business. I've always been successful.

[00:10:12] But I have not always been acknowledged as being a powerhouse leadership woman in business, which I always have been ever since I was young. I love business. So I'm really interested in this question, the answer to this question, just for my own accord, because I didn't always receive the dignity that I deserved. Right.

[00:10:40] Well, you know, I observed at Sears years before. So this is, you asked when, this is probably 77, what's your minus a year? And we had brought in some people and put them in positions just to, we were being sued by the government for discrimination. Back in the, we were one of the first cases back in the early 70s, late 60s, as I recall. So we're putting people into positions that they really weren't prepared for.

[00:11:09] And so we weren't doing them a favor. So I'm not into, you know, putting people to get numbers. But at this company, this particular person was a hard worker. She was working for me and she knew exactly what she was doing. She was spot on, very strong. And she was the best person. And I wanted her to have an opportunity to go to the next level financially.

[00:11:38] It was just, you know, it's kind of like, it was the right thing to do at the time. And I did get a lot of pushback. And I stood up for her. I said, no, this is the, she needs to take this. And then, you know, like years later, you know, we talked and she was thrilled that I had taken that step for her. But why not? Well, and you took a stand for her too. Not only just for yourself. You know, here's your dad leading by example, to be honest.

[00:12:04] And then here you are leading your life the same way with the same depth of centeredness and taking a stand. And then you took one for her too. So all these things really remind us that I think this is love inspired leadership in my perspective here. Because, you know, it's doing the right thing at the right time.

[00:12:32] Doing it with integrity, like you said, dignity. But it's not allowing people that, you know, want to change the dynamic of what's right. You know, I want to use the word ego. But I know that that's an overused word. But sometimes people that have power want to take away that power from other people in order for them to still continue to have the power that they do.

[00:13:01] And it takes people like yourself and me too. I've done it many times myself too. It's just making the right decision and saying, no, this is what's right. Right. Right. And, you know, once you've done that once or twice and you realize how powerful it is. And the first time you go, yeah, okay, well, I'm just going to jump in and see how many bullets I take. And I did it. And it worked out well. I love it.

[00:13:27] So, you know, your story reminds us that leadership is often revealed in what we refuse to tolerate. Oh, my goodness, this is good. Because it's when we know that something is wrong and don't make the decision to do something that's right, we are tolerating it. And that is wrong in the tolerating it.

[00:13:54] In fact, if you tolerate it, you're really contributing to it. So, you know, toleration is kind of a neutral word, but it's not a neutral act. Oh, can you repeat that again? Because I love that. Say that one more time. Sure. Toleration is not a neutral word. It's like you're really contributing to the act that's wrong.

[00:14:22] So, you can't, you know, innocent standby-er is not, doesn't exist. It's like, was it about two months ago there was a lady stabbed on a train in Charlotte, North Carolina, and people just watched. I'm sorry. Now, I love this. And, you know, to the audience right at this moment, I want you to pause for a minute and think about your own life.

[00:14:50] I want you to ask yourself, as you move through your day or your week and what you witness, that you could step in to support what's right. And even in your own life, what are you tolerating, that you're not stepping up to see the truth, to make that decision, to do what's right, rather than contribute to it.

[00:15:18] Yeah, I mean, you hear over and over, and I hear more about women than men, but, you know, women that are abused and stay in relationships. And my heart breaks when I hear about it. Me too. But you have to have the courage to take the next step. And I think understanding, you can't steal second base standing on first. You have to get off first and start working your way towards second. It's true.

[00:15:46] Well, this brings me to why I'm doing this podcast. It's to eliminate suffering in the world. Because when we're living within our own core values and honoring the life that we've been given to live is when, you know, then we can make those decisions with a clear mind and a clear heart and a clear spirit.

[00:16:15] Because it's a decision. It's being decided. And I always say that we have enough courage inside us. It's the same for all of us. Some people think, oh, they're way more courageous than I am. Oh, no. That's not true. It's not true. We all have the same amount of courage within us. It's being decided.

[00:16:41] We need to create support around us and love around us and people who believe in us that we can maybe lean on a little bit. And I'm sure you had that when you made the decision to leave. And I'm sure your dad had that when he made that decision because he knew. But it's one of my passions is you've got to build your dream team. You've got to have those people around you. Right? Absolutely. You know, it reminds me, we were talking about the San Juans.

[00:17:10] I was on Whidbey Island several years ago with poet David White. I don't know if you know David. He had us write a poem. And this poem is appropriate. It's called Act Now. When I act, the universe provides all I need. When I act, doors open, help arrives. And so when I act, the unknown has become known, becomes known. So it's taking that step and acting and knowing that things will work out. It may be hard.

[00:17:39] It's you can get your knees bloodied, maybe your nose bloodied. But on the other side is that freedom. I want you to say that one more time because I want the audience to hear it. And you were here for me today, Jim. Not only for this audience. And I live my life with what that poem is because it's taking action. It's having faith.

[00:18:08] It's trusting that the next stone to step on will be there. And we need to be bold in our lives. We need to live our lives with that sense of faith, knowing freedom is here. So can you read it one more time just for me? Sure. Thank you. The poem is Act Now. When I act, the universe provides all I need. When I act, doors open, help arrives.

[00:18:36] And when I act, the unknown becomes known. So everything is keys for me. I was given this key by a very dear spiritual mentor when I was 18. And her name was Emma. So my entire life has been living her legacy. It's been my life journey. And that's why this podcast is here. It's all about love. It's what I've been learning about. And it's all about keys and doors.

[00:19:07] So you just mentioned that. That's cool. You mentioned a door and the key is love. And any hardship, challenge, difficulty, struggle, pain, circumstance, relationship. The way we walk through the door is using the key love. And sometimes it's walk in and sometimes it's walk out. That's right. And it's forgiveness, compassion, and respect.

[00:19:37] Oh, how beautiful. Oh, my goodness. Okay. That made my day. Okay. Let's keep moving on here. So you might be interested. One of my acquaintances, Jerry Harvey wrote a book, How Come Every Time I Get Stabbed in the Back, My Fingerprints Are on the Knife. It's the same concept. Life is a do-it-to-ourselves project. And I think in our society today, people are making a lot of money telling people they're victims.

[00:20:07] It's quite destructive to society, but it's destructive to the human being. If you wake up in the morning thinking, I'm inadequate because X, Y, Z, you don't win. You're not going to take that step. You're not going to steal second. When all you have to do is steal second to open up the next door, because that's the key.

[00:20:26] And we have this extraordinary opportunity, even being alive, to look at life as this grand adventure. The opportunity to learn and grow and expand and aim higher. I have a signature process chip that I call the Aim High Method. And it's three phases. Truth is number one.

[00:20:56] Truth, truth, truth. Core truth and nothing but the truth. Phase two is alignment. Which you know, you live, you stand by. And phase three is radiance.

[00:21:13] Which is once we are aligned with what matters most in our lives and that we make that clear and final decision to be courageous, is when we have the honor to operate from a place of being the light. To be the radiance. To be the radiance. Because then we can light the path for others to follow if they're in the darkness. Yeah.

[00:21:41] And we're all here for a reason. And my question we have to ask ourselves is, why am I here? And what price am I willing to pay to be that? And that energy will create the radiance that you described. Yes. Yes. I feel more alive. I feel more alive, more clear, more aligned on my mission of why I'm here. Because it's love.

[00:22:09] This podcast has contributed so much to me. And, you know, people say to me, how do you have so much vitality at 67 years old? I said, well, I'm living my legacy. I have the honor of daily talking to people like yourself, Chip. I'm having a gas here and I feel so grateful. You know, I have more vitality now than I did at 40 because I was a working machine in those days.

[00:22:38] I was corporate. I was making lots of money. I was pushing, forcing, performing, making things happen. And now I allow. I ask and then I allow and then I receive. So it's a different place to function from. And I think this podcast, my intention is to support people to realize this truth and what we're speaking of.

[00:23:03] Because this message needs to be going out there and landing for people. And, you know, I mean, authenticity, the way Chip and I are communicating with you. This is just our experience of life. And, you know, our stories that we're sharing, our intention is that it lands for you, that you can hear it and know that it's the truth. So thank you, Chip.

[00:23:30] Okay, let's move into service as a path to trust. So, you know, you were years in the corporate world, for sure. And what was it that inspired you to found unity in service and really decide to focus your time, your energy, your effort and your heart into this volunteerism and civic engagement?

[00:24:00] Well, it doesn't take a lot of observation to realize that I can only speak for the U.S., although I've spent a fair amount of time in Canada. But we've got a cultural problem. And we're very divided. There's a group Pew study research that does research over the years. In 1966, excuse me, 1964, 77% of the people thought the country was going in the right direction. In 2025, it's 17%.

[00:24:30] If you and I were running a business and we had those kind of results, first of all, we'd be bankrupt, which is the beauty of capitalism versus bureaucracy. And if we were running and people were paying attention, everybody should be thrown out of office. You should start anew. But there's not an appetite for that.

[00:24:54] And so my whole idea is that we have a culture and only we can change it. Democracy is to do it to ourselves project. And so it starts with understanding what are my role? What is my role as a citizen? Educating that. Second, getting involved. As you know, you've used the word trust several times. Trust is the foundation to every relationship.

[00:25:24] Intimate, family, neighborhood, country. Our trust level's terrible. And the only way to fix trust is to work together to a common goal bigger than ourselves. I've done a few nonprofits. Right now, I'm part of a group called Tampa Baywatch, which is a group that does restoration for the bay and does education.

[00:25:52] I'm serving as chair right now. And there's about 11 board members. And we're all very different politically. We have to see the world through a completely different lens. But we're part of something bigger than ourselves. And because of that, the institutions that were 33 years old now, so I've just been about seven years helping.

[00:26:13] We now filter a billion gallons of water a day in Tampa Bay because of all the oyster reef balls and oyster reefs that we've built. Each little oyster filters 50 gallons a day. And this is the impact of people working together, irrespective of their political views, working on something bigger than themselves. And so that's why volunteerism, and it breaks down the barriers.

[00:26:41] I now have a greater respect, understand people with a different point of view better. Don't always have to agree, but I have to see their humanness. See their humanness. And know that they believe that it's a dear in me. They do. And so let me take over for a second. Let me take a sip there.

[00:27:02] Is that, you know, it's the coming together here that I think is such an opportunity for us everywhere, not just where you are. And I have a new coming together community I'm starting in April called the Aim High Sanctuary. And it's a place for women to come together to, of many different backgrounds, corporate, founders of businesses, business leaders.

[00:27:32] And I have the same vision and mission that you have is that we can come together, even with our differences, and support each other on a really a vision of a bigger picture, a greater whole. But coming together is how we come together to make change, to change the context, the culture of what business is, because that's my focus.

[00:28:01] And there isn't enough opportunity for people, Chip, to do this. So I, you know, I feel your mission, and I know that it's incredibly rewarding to you to watch that and to witness it and be a part of that change. So tell me what that's like for you. Well, you know, you're talking about groups.

[00:28:25] I obviously spent a lot of my career with Vistage and saw, you know, led groups, put together groups, some develop. And I can tell you it's made all the difference in many of the members' lives. I still get calls and have lunch with somebody, and they say, well, you saved my life. I go, what did I do? You know, well, you told me to do this, this, and this, and the group supported it. We saved some businesses. We saved people a lot of money.

[00:28:53] But the more important thing is the human connection, feeling. You mentioned your group. We've become the average of the 10 or 12 people we hang out with. And so put yourself in a group of high-performing, high-integrity, trustworthy people, and your life will expand beyond your imagination. Yeah. It's true. I love it. I love your attitude.

[00:29:21] I feel like you're inside my head because I started with a friend, an online networking community when COVID hit. I said to her, we know too much. It's an injustice. We have to do something online. And she said, have you ever been online, Carolyn? Because I've done everything, you know, keynote speaking, training, corporate in person. I said, no, but I'll figure it out. Right. But Carolyn, it's not that easy. So we started and we were awful.

[00:29:50] I mean, I was awful. I spoke over everybody. I mean, and then there's times where I just went to bed that night and thought, Carolyn, you've got to figure this out. Come on, you can do this. So what happens is I figured it out and I held rooms of 150 business people coming together to connect, to collaborate, to be creative together.

[00:30:14] And we had over, in the first four years of that, 6,500 businesses come from 23 countries, Chip. All virtually. Yep. Yep. Bad news. And it was so beautiful to see people from Africa, from India, from, you know, the Philippines, from United States, from Australia. And I'd say, put where you are in the chat. I said, just thrill me.

[00:30:44] Will you just put it in there? So it was such a blessing. And then I made the decision I was going to transition from that to do what I'm doing now. And that was a couple of years ago. And it was such an honor to hold that space. And I know you do the same what I do, which is just holding this space of integrity, of truth, of opportunity. Because when we come together, it's so much better.

[00:31:12] And we're never meant to do this life alone. That's one of my absolute core values. Because that's where suffering is. And that's where it doesn't happen. So in your community where you are, if you're listening here, in your circle of influence of people, you be the initiator. You be the person to bring people together.

[00:31:39] Because, you know, a lot of people don't know how to do that. But it just takes one person that can make a difference. Just one. And that's where we started here. So let's go into the next part. So why do you believe service is a bridge rather than a battleground when it comes to political and social differences? Jared Faith.

[00:32:09] It's just, there's a guy, Adam, I can't think of his name right now, who's putting people together across political lines to go to sporting events together. Adam, myself. Well, you know, I'm a Dodger fan. Grew up in Southern California, so I've always been a Dodger fan. If I'm sitting next to somebody who doesn't agree with me politically, but we're both pulling for the Dodgers to win the World Series, who cares? You know, that breaks down the barriers.

[00:32:33] So if we're working towards that common goal, you know, we see the humanness in each other. We need each other to survive, period. Well, and it's more critical now than ever, ever, ever has been in history is what I believe. And that's why I love advocate. I mean, I am so. Because when we're alone, we buy our own basic stories. That's where our thinking goes away.

[00:33:02] I mean, Emma, who gave me this key, taught me thinking above the line framework. The line is being decided. Above is curiosity, wonder, solution, purpose, passion, action. Below the line, fear, doubt, resentment, regret, thinking about the past, worrying about the pleasure. And it's not healthy. It's totally unhealthy.

[00:33:29] I'm super passionate about this because I've had family members that have suffered so greatly that it's the fuel. It's the fuel that's in me. So, and I just want to let the audience know you have an opportunity to be decided. And I guarantee you that when you do, your life will dramatically go for the better. Always, every time, without a doubt, none. It's a decision to suffer.

[00:33:59] Yeah. And there's always someone that you can think of, that you can connect with, that you can contact, that's available within your circle of influence or someone you're not. And so, well, I moved for help. Yeah. Yeah. When I moved, I started in my career at Sears in Waukegan, which is an hour plus north of Chicago. And then I got hired to move in to Chicago to the headquarters.

[00:34:28] And, you know, all my friends at Sears were all married and lived in the suburbs. I lived downtown. And I went to my apartment one afternoon after work and looked around and said, this is boring. I need to go out of here and go meet people. So, I started playing pickup basketball in the neighborhoods. And out of that, great friendships grew. My community grew. But I got out of the house. I turned off the TV.

[00:34:56] There were no computers at home then, but, you know, take your computer and your cell phone and lock them in the drawer and go out and just be human. And just connect with other people. Say hello. Yeah. I have a Japanese woman. I shared with you that I go on jaunts. It's not a jog because I'm mature. It's not a walk. I do a jaunt. So, I jaunt every day for 5K along the water, the beautiful water where I live.

[00:35:26] And there's this beautiful little short four-foot-nothing Japanese woman who always wears the same mold-color wool jacket and tam. Well, every day she said, good morning. Have a wonderful day. To everybody. Yeah. It's fine. You can hear her. Right? So, I come up behind her now. And so, I don't startle her, but I say, good morning. Have a wonderful day.

[00:35:55] So, now we're at high five after 2K. So, I've never met her. Every time I see her, my heart sinks. I love this woman. And she makes such a difference on that walk. I've never stopped to talk to her, ever. I don't even know her name. But when I see her, it puts a giant royal smile on my face. Whether I'm coming at her from this angle or whether I'm coming straight. Usually, when I'm coming at her straight, I'm doing this. Yeah. And she's like, oh.

[00:36:25] And she's this little short oriental four-foot-nothing beautiful 80-year-old woman. Now we're at high five. So, I'm sorry. All right. So, even that is such a difference she's making in the world. And that's only to me. And I know a lot of mature folks on that walk. Because I meet Ethan every day. So, I just want to say to the audience right now that it is so available for you.

[00:36:51] If you're feeling alone in your condo, your apartment, your home, or anything, do put that cell phone down. Close your computer. Go for a walk in nature. See who you walk by. Say hello. Have a great day. And see what that's going to do for you. So, in my book, I talk about microvalidations.

[00:37:15] And, you know, out walking, my wife and I did five years traveling the country in an RV for six months a year. Literally from Seattle to St. Pete and from San Diego to Philadelphia. So, we covered a lot of territory every year. And wherever I go, I say hi to people. And some places, people just ignore you. And other places, people respond.

[00:37:39] But what she's doing and what you're now doing is you are validating that people exist. Part of the problem is that we feel invisible. So, you're going to get another poem. Get a twofer. I'm so lucky. Hey, audience. Are you ready? You're so lucky too. Here we go. Rock and roll. It's called microvalidations.

[00:38:08] Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. English proverb. Microclimates, microbiomes, microaggressions. We live in a microclimate. Microbiomes live in us. Microaggressions are part of life. What we need more of are microvalidations. Microaffirmations. We've become trapped in our silos.

[00:38:34] We become contemptuous of those who don't agree with us. They must not be human. Our country, our cities, our friends have become divided. We can't keep distancing ourselves from each other. We must all hang together, or most assuredly we'll hang separately. Benjamin Franklin. Our children, our grandchildren, need us to hang together for the future.

[00:39:03] A healthy democracy requires its citizens to work together for the future. A healthy democracy requires its citizens to work together for the future. We need to see our interdependence and break down the barriers that divide us. We need each other. Start with microvalidations. Open the door for someone and say hello. Talk to your neighbors.

[00:39:34] Look people in the eye and acknowledge they exist. Reconnect with each other. Affirm the humanness in everyone. That is so beautiful. And that's love-inspired leadership. And the truth is, to me, we all have the opportunity to do this every day. And to set that intention when you wake up, wherever you go. When I go to the grocery store, I do that.

[00:40:02] Wherever I go, I just bring that. Because there's too many people suffering alone. And just by a smile. Just by giving a high five. Just by knowing that what you give is truly what you receive. And that's the truth. It's your radiation. It's like- You're radiating blood. I am. Yeah. So it's just opening- I'm so glad. I'm so glad.

[00:40:32] This is so great. Okay. We're getting close to the finish line now. Okay. This is not our only conversation. You are coming back here again because I want to venture off on some other avenues too. But I want to know from you what personal practices that you incorporate in your daily disciplines.

[00:40:55] And what guiding beliefs really help you stay grounded in this position of leadership, love-inspired leadership for yourself. Well, I think first and foremost is when I created my own personal mission statement many years ago and had to find my way to express it. I'm here to make a difference in people's lives. You know, there's a synergy.

[00:41:24] When you get people working together, that makes life better, more beautiful, more fun. So that's the core engine. I try it. I mean, some days I will be in a hurry and I don't spend enough time. But just when I wake up in the morning, I like to give gratitude. Gratitude for whom I am, gratitude for friends, gratitude for some of the lessons that were painful, and make me who I am today. So I think those are the two things that really keep me going.

[00:41:54] Yeah. Well, I'm the same. And I told you about Ella. I'm living her legacy. I mean, she died at 87 and I was 26. So that's a long time ago. And I brought these principles of thinking above the line into sales training, into customer service, into keynote speaking, into corporate training, into time management, into whatever avenue I took.

[00:42:23] And now it's here. My mission is also to bring the humanness back to life. And that is to understand that we're all doing the best job we can here. I mean, truthfully, you are, I am, and even those people that are sitting at home. But, you know, for me, I got to do my part. And here I am.

[00:42:49] And I also wake up every day, Chip, with looking at what I'm grateful for. My brain used to go into pre-planning. I mean, now I've trained so much with discipline. And this takes practice, people. I really want you to understand that. Gratitude is a practice. It is daily discipline. And now I wake up even at 2.30 or 3.30 in the morning. I can't call those menopausal magical moments.

[00:43:18] And now I've trained myself so much that if I even wake up at 2.30, I go to gratitude. I go right back to sleep, too. That's interesting, is I don't stay up worrying ever. I don't believe in it, actually. So now when I wake up, even if I wake up early, like 4, 10 after 4 every day, and today is the same. So what am I grateful for right now? Well, it's the smell of the ocean air coming in my window.

[00:43:44] And the reason is because I love walking along the ocean and feeling the gratitude for where I am in my life, too. So I list off at least 10. I'm very greedy in feeling good. I've got to tell my best. And then I get up. So sometimes I get up at 5. Sometimes I lay there and kind of percolate the gratitude. But what a great practice to train your brain to immediately focus on gratitude when you wake up.

[00:44:13] And it's made a world of difference for me. So I'm glad to hear that you do the same. You know, my big, hairy, audacious goal with Unity in Service is to open up the world to everyone. And through universal service, you turn 18, you serve the country for a year. So many people... I live in Pinellas County. It's a peninsula. There's the Gulf on one side and Tampa Bay on the other. And there's kids who've never seen the peach that, you know, it's like two miles away.

[00:44:43] And to break down those barriers, to get people to work together someplace other than where they grew up, work on in the United States during the Depression, we had the Civilian Conservation Corps that built dams, that built national parks. But get people to have some sweat equity by working together to make the country better. And I think that'll break down a lot of barriers. Just got to get it across the finish line. Well, you do.

[00:45:12] And here's the thing about volunteerism. I did a lot of keynote speaking on this in my younger years because I think there's an absolute, incredible opportunity in being a volunteer. It gets you to connect with something that's bigger than yourself. It gets you to connect with a part of yourself that has a purpose, that has a mission.

[00:45:32] So maybe you don't have that in your own life, but being aligned with other people and being around the energy of that depths of commitment is inspiring. It also supports you to feel so good about yourself. And, you know, the way I see it is this is the opportunity of the world right now is to realize that we're here not just for ourselves. We're not.

[00:46:01] We're actually here to discover and be curious and think above the line and have that state of wonder. So I wonder what my life has been, even if it's been painful and traumatic. Mine certainly has. And how can I channel that into something that has meaning, that has purpose, and that has a mission? Because watch your heart open.

[00:46:28] Watch yourself become aligned and have way more joy in your life when you volunteer. Because it feels so good when you put your head on a pillow at night, knowing that you've made a difference. Right, Chip? You got it. I made a difference. That's a great way to go to sleep. It is, isn't it? I know. I have the honor of doing that every night.

[00:46:52] So why do you think real human connection has been replaced by echo chambers and service level discourse? I think it's a combination of technology. Certainly COVID contributed to it. People had to go in their silos. They were ordered to be in their silos. Then I think it becomes comfortable. Why would I want to challenge what I believe?

[00:47:21] Well, we should challenge everything we think we believe. That's how you grow. But I think it's comfortable, but it's illusion of thinking you're living. If you're so inward focused and so tied up into this little echo chamber, your life is not – the life you're living is a fraction of what you could live. So true. I love how the universe – well, I call it God.

[00:47:51] But I love how the universe brings me people who think the same way I do. I think exactly the same. It's absolutely hysterical. I'm just laughing in my soul right now. Because here's what you said in another way, is that what we're comfortable with, what we're familiar is also our suffering. It's like the way I look at it. This is the way I look at it now.

[00:48:19] When I'm really comfortable, it's actually dangerous for me. Because then I know that I'm not growing. I'm not challenging myself. I'm not expanding. I'm not moving into new territory. I'm not – the adventure isn't there. The stretch isn't there. The risk isn't there. So I, you know, I just think that it's true. People aren't even aware and conscious that this is what's happening to them.

[00:48:49] That's the injustice for me. They just think, well, I'm comfortable. This is familiar. This is what I know. I don't need to do anything different. But you don't know anything different either. But I guarantee you, just the willingness to just take one step out of your comfortable life, you'll go, wow. And then you'll take the next step and the next step. Anything you want to kind of add to that as we wrap up here?

[00:49:17] Well, you know, growth is the only sign of life. And you can't grow if you're just sitting vetching. So, you know, go do something that's uncomfortable. Go do something that isn't what you normally would do. And, you know, that's the key is action, action, action. But if you're sitting here and this is the 10th podcast you watch today and you're going to watch another one after this. And it'll make you feel good for a few minutes. And then you'll watch another podcast.

[00:49:47] Turn off the computer and just go outside. Agreed. And here's one more thing I want you to do. I want you to think about what Chip and I shared with you. But I want you to listen to that internal voice of wisdom that is always speaking to you, guiding you in the right direction. Is there something in there that is saying to take action? It is. Hear it. Hear it. And follow through with it.

[00:50:16] Whether it's phone call. Whether it's a conversation. Whether it's, you know, going for a jaunt along the ocean like I do. Or whether it's, you know, having a conversation about what you received from this podcast with another human being. And connecting with them. Because what we're talking about here is deep truth. This is not lighthearted.

[00:50:45] Let this information go by. I know this is absolutely what you needed to hear today. I know it. I can feel it inside my body even. And I know that, Chip, that's your intention too. So here's my last question. Well, almost last. So you recently authored Unity in Service, A Pathway to Responsible Citizenship.

[00:51:12] So what's the core message you really most want readers to carry forward from reading that book? Get off the couch. Go volunteer. Spend time with people who see the world through different lens. And listen to them. Don't try and tell them they're wrong. Don't try and tell them that your way is better. Just listen to them. People need to be heard. Just do something as simple as open it.

[00:51:42] The next time you go out, open the door for someone. And make that a habit. And say hi to people in the parking lot. How are you doing? You will light people's life up. So that action. And then support Universal National Service when we make it a big enough movement that it needs support. Go to my website, unionservice.org. So, boy, this has been good. Oh, my goodness. I'm so grateful.

[00:52:13] So you, you know, you really, honestly, you brought this courageous living legacy from your dad. Take it into your life. And now you're wanting to share it with the world, with this book, with unity in service. So I just want to close here by thanking you for your courage, for your commitment, for your dedication. I know that this is your core living legacy.

[00:52:41] This is what you know you came here to do. And what you want to carry forward when you're not here. So, and I just really honor you, respect you. I'm with you. So thank you so much for being here. Thank you so much, Carolyn. I really appreciate your energy and the values that you espouse. So I want to leave the audience with this.

[00:53:11] And for those of you listening, maybe for the first time, I have a gift for you. And that's to share with you my 21-day above-the-line living. It's a two-three-minute recording of me in my pajamas, on the couch, between 5.30 and 6 every day. And it is simply an insight of thinking above the line.

[00:53:38] And I give you reflections, journal prompts, action steps that you can take each day for 21 days to really invite you on the pathway to purpose and to presence and to peace within your own life and to be a love-inspired leader. And I'll remind you once again, I want you to get Chip's book.

[00:54:06] I mean, I know he loved what he said I did. So let's do that. Go to unityinservice.org forward slash buy. What was that? Little jit thing there? I don't know. It's just one of those little lines that go across. Buy little line, the line book forward slash. It'll be in the show notes anyhow for anybody who is visually watching too.

[00:54:33] So, and my last question, which I always ask a question after our podcast. I want you to ask yourself this question. And I want you to just close your eyes here for a minute. Where might service become your next act of love-inspired leadership this week? Make a decision. Be decided. Thank you, Chip. And this won't be the last time that you're on this podcast. I'm warning you.

[00:55:04] I look forward to it. Okay. I like it. Fabulous. And thank you to the audience. And I look forward to seeing you again at the next Love Inspired Leadership Podcast. Thanks for being here. And take good care. And God bless. Thank you. For years, you've been a woman who holds it all together. The team. The clients. The launch. The household. But lately, the cost is your nervous system. Your sleep. Your joy.

[00:55:34] You're leading on adrenaline. Overthinking every decision. Breaking quiet promises to yourself just to keep everything afloat. The Aim High Sanctuary is where that ends. This is where you remember who you are. And structure your life around that truth. And lead from regulated energy, clean boundaries, and honest power. Book in a clarity call with me through the link below or by scanning the QR code. And join us in the Aim High Sanctuary.

[00:56:03] Thank you for joining me on the Love Inspired Leadership Podcast. Remember, love isn't just a feeling. It's the most magnetic, prosperous force in the universe.

[00:56:23] When you lead with love, you unlock abundance, fulfillment, and a living legacy that truly matters. If today's episode stirred something in your soul, share it with someone who's ready to aim higher. Receive our transformational Aim High Business Breakthrough Checklist.

[00:56:52] That is your opportunity to be all you can be in 30 days. Keep holding your vision, anchoring your truth, and take intentional inspired action. Because love is all there is. And it's the greatest prosperity you'll ever know. Until next time, I'm Carolyn Cooper. Keep letting love lead your life forward.