About the Guest

Ilana Golan is a groundbreaking entrepreneur, tech executive, and former Israeli Air Force commander. Known for being the first woman to command an F16 training squad, Ilana's career trajectory has been far from conventional. She has made her mark in Silicon Valley, succeeded in raising significant venture capital, and established herself as a respected voice on resilience and adaptive change. Currently, she is the CEO of Leap Academy, which offers strategic guidance to individuals seeking transformative career and life transitions. Ilana's journey is a testament to grit, resilience, and the power of reinvention.

Episode Summary

Prepare for an inspiring episode of Becoming UnDone with Toby Brooks as he engages with Ilana Golan, a formidable force in entrepreneurship and personal transformation. This week's conversation delves deeply into the trials and triumphs that have shaped Ilana's bold journey—from her early years training fighter pilots in the Israeli Air Force to her innovative ventures in Silicon Valley. Through heartfelt anecdotes and candid reflections, Ilana shares how setbacks have fueled her drive and commitment to aid others on their paths of reinvention.

Throughout the episode, Toby and Ilana explore pivotal moments of crisis and the clarity they can offer. The conversation touches on the concepts of resilience when facing unforeseen professional upheavals, and how Ilana has used her experiences to forge a new path with Leap Academy. This venture was born out of her tumultuous startup journey, teaching career strategy and empowering others to take charge of their professional trajectories. Offering insights into entrepreneurship, personal growth, and future directions, this episode is a rich tapestry of motivational themes interwoven with practical advice.

Key Takeaways

• Resilience in Setbacks: Ilana Golan discusses how being ousted from her startup became a catalyst for future success and personal reinvention.
• Power of Reflection: The significance of self-awareness and strategic planning in career transitions is highlighted as Ilana reflects on her journey.
• Strategic Career Leaps: A portfolio career approach and multiple income streams are essential strategies for living with purpose and adaptability.
• Phases of Life and Success: Ilana emphasizes understanding one's phase of life to redefine personal metrics of success.
• Community and Support: Creating a network of like-minded individuals who are also high achievers and driven can provide invaluable support and opportunities.

Notable Quotes

• "Sometimes wrong turns are the very ones that lead to the right place." – Ilana Golan
• "I needed to feel that regret. That regret was something I never want to feel ever again." – Ilana Golan
• "Every twist, every setback, every leap, she's redefined what it means to be resilient." – Toby Brooks
• "It's not easy, but it's simple. Execution can be difficult." – Ilana Golan
• "You want to be leap ready, even if you're staying there." – Ilana Golan

Resources

• Leap Academy: leapacademy.com -

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming Undone is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyJBrooks. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

About the Guest

Quang X. Pham is a Vietnamese-American entrepreneur and former United States Marine Corps aviator. Initially arriving in the United States as a 10-year-old refugee fleeing a collapsing Saigon, Pham eventually became a decorated Marine Corps aviator. He is now the CEO of Cadrenal Therapeutics, a leading biotech company focused on innovative therapies. In addition to his professional endeavors, Quang Pham is a published author, capturing his incredible journey and insights in various books. His latest work, "Underdog Nation," conveys the themes of resilience and the power of seizing opportunities in America.

Episode Summary

In this enlightening episode of "Becoming Undone," host Toby Brooks converses with Quang X. Pham, a former refugee who rose through extraordinary circumstances to serve as a US Marine Corps aviator and biotech CEO. The discussion delves into Pham's dynamic journey—from navigating life as a Vietnamese refugee in Arkansas to achieving remarkable success in the Marine Corps and the biotech sector. Highlighting themes of grit, gratitude, and transformation, Pham shares how his early life challenges molded his path and helped him rise above expectations.

Throughout the episode, Pham and Brooks examine the nuances of overcoming fear, integrating relentless action, and breaking through barriers that seem insurmountable. Pham emphasizes the significance of the ER principle—effort and result—advocating for a success mindset anchored in persistent action rather than passive aspiration. From recounting his love for baseball as a gateway to American culture to his ambitious professional ventures, Pham offers a paradigmatic illustration of the power of resilience. This episode is fully packed with discussions that encourage redefining setbacks into stepping stones and seeking out mentors across varied backgrounds.

Key Takeaways

• From Refugee to Resilience: Quang X. Pham illustrates a profound transformation from navigating life as a refugee to taking decisive steps that shaped his successful career in aviation and biotechnology.
• Overcoming Fear with Action: Pham emphasizes not letting fear stifle potential by focusing on action-oriented practices to achieve set goals.
• Effort and Results Principle: A core theme of the episode, the principle of aligning effort with expected results is explored as a pathway to personal and professional success.
• Global Sports as a Connector: The role that sports played in Pham's adjustment to American culture underscores the value of community and shared experiences.
• Mentorship Across Boundaries: Pham advocates for learning from diverse mentors—referred to as "admirables"—to foster personal growth irrespective of racial or cultural similarities.

Notable Quotes

• "I've never been a dreamer or a visionary. I was all about the mindset, which means taking action."
• "This is the number one country for underdogs. If you don't have the name, culture, or education, you could become whoever you want to become."
• "Learn English, learn how to speak, how to present, how to convince people. It's the greatest tool to be communicated."
• "Pursue your child

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming Undone is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyJBrooks. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Professor's Playbook/Becoming UnDone, Toby Brooks shares his transformative journey from discontentment and frustration to fulfillment and gratitude. Relaying his personal experiences of being passed over for a desired job in Lubbock, Toby opens up about the emotional turmoil and ultimately finding peace in unexpected changes. As time progressed, an opportunity at Baylor University emerged, aligning perfectly with his professional aspirations and family needs. This narrative artfully illustrates the podcast's theme: waiting for "something more" to come, as Toby strategically aligned his career goals with his core values.

Listeners will gain insight into Toby's perseverance and the role truthfulness played throughout his journey. Through self-reflection and deliberate action, Toby demonstrates the importance of living an 'unconcealed' life—known as 'alethea' in Greek—and how this virtue underpins effective leadership, integrity in data management, and authentic relationships. The discussion further delves into how truthfulness bridges gaps between spoken ideals and practiced realities, ensuring that personal and professional lives are deeply rooted in accuracy and integrity.

Key Takeaways

• Embrace Change: Sometimes, life's unforeseen circumstances lead to greater opportunities, as seen in Toby's journey from Lubbock to Baylor.
• Truthfulness as a Virtue: Living an unconcealed life is vital, aligning words, actions, and intentions with reality.
• Balance in Leadership: Authenticity, feedback with care, and courageous advocacy define effective leadership and team culture.
• Integrity in Data Practices: Accurate data collection and reporting build trust and inform sound decision-making in healthcare professions.
• Personal Growth: Waiting periods often serve as preparation stages for more significant outcomes, emphasizing patience and faith.

Notable Quotes

• "I have every confidence that this was the something more that was coming, that all the while I was too impatient to wait for."
• "Truthfulness isn't about what we say. It's about who we are."
• "Sometimes we just need to wait. If I'd had my way, I would have rushed to any of a hundred jobs just to make my ego feel better."
• "In the Greek, the word for truthfulness is alethea, which literally means unconcealed—Not just being honest, but living unhidden."
• "Truthfulness in our systems equals trustworthiness in our leadership."

Resources

• Connect with Toby Brooks on Linktree
• Explore more episodes of Professor's Playbook and Becoming Undone on major podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.

Tune in to this enlightening episode of the Professor's Playbook to understand the power of truthfulness and patience in personal and professional spheres. Discover more inspiring content and stay ahead in your journey of continuous learning and growth.

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming Undone is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyJBrooks. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

About the Guest

Jonathan Shorten is a highly successful car salesman recognized as one of the top auto salesmen in the country. Emerging from a challenging past, Jonathan navigated through various adversities to carve out a prosperous career in the auto industry. At 28, he now leverages his life experiences, including a background in athletics and his innate resilience, to connect with a diverse clientele, including high-profile college athletes benefitting from NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities. His journey reflects a compelling story of redemption, faith, and the pursuit of excellence.

Episode Summary

In this engaging episode of Becoming UnDone, host Toby Brooks introduces Jonathan Shorten, a standout figure in the auto sales industry who has transformed personal adversities into professional triumphs. From a promising high school athlete faced with challenges, including a failed drug test and a disqualifying transfer delaying his sports career, Jonathan's journey is one of resilience and reinvention. Anchored in faith and supported by a serendipitous intervention by a mysterious figure at a pivotal moment, Jonathan shares his transition from despair to remarkable success in car sales.

Throughout this inspiring conversation, Jonathan delves into the ups and downs of his life, from navigating legal challenges to mastering social media for business growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. His insightful reflections highlight significant themes like perseverance, community, and the importance of authentic relationships. Jonathan emphasizes the role of faith, recounting impactful moments, including the life-altering guidance of his father and crucial advice from mentors. Delivered with candor and clarity, this episode touches upon the essence of redemption and finding purpose in the unlikeliest of circumstances.

Key Takeaways

• Resilience in Adversity: Jonathan's story is a testament to the essential role resilience plays in overcoming life's challenges.
• The Power of Reinvention: Through strategic use of social media, Jonathan successfully pivoted his career during the pandemic, showcasing the importance of adaptability.
• Faith and Redemption: Jonathan's experience underscores the power of faith and spirituality in personal growth and finding purpose.
• Authenticity and Connection: His success in the auto industry highlights the value of building genuine relationships and staying true to oneself.
• Learning from Failure: Jonathan's journey emphasizes embracing failures as learning opportunities and the stepping stones to future success.

Notable Quotes

1. "I went from hero to zero overnight."
2. "To my knowledge, I'm the first person I know that really utilized Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to sell cars."

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

Becoming Undone is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyJBrooks. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

About the Guest

Shaun Murphy, known as Mister Motivation, is a dynamic speaker, veteran, educator, and transformational leader. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Shaun overcame significant adversity, including the loss of his father at age six and growing up in poverty. As a former military service member, Shaun honed his leadership skills and values, which he later translated into his roles as a father and educator. Committed to empowering others, he has blended his passion for spoken word and music with motivational speaking, creating a unique and engaging approach to personal development.

Episode Summary

In this riveting episode of Becoming UnDone, host Toby Brooks introduces Shaun Murphy, aka Mister Motivation, who shares his inspiring journey from adversity to empowerment. Growing up in Brooklyn without a father and amidst poverty, Shaun was born into challenging circumstances but refused to be confined by them. He describes a life driven by gratitude and self-improvement, guided by the principle of imagining the father figure he wished he had and amplifying that vision for his own children.

Shaun discusses the profound impact of his military service, where he developed key personal values that continue to inform his work as an educator and motivational speaker. His powerful insights on resilience and continuous self-improvement are intertwined with his artistic talents in spoken word and music, offering a fresh perspective on overcoming failure. Highlighted in their conversation are Shaun's unique methods for learning, using hip hop and storytelling to create captivating motivational experiences. Listeners will gain valuable lessons on courage, identity transitions, and the importance of pursuing a purpose-driven life.

Key Takeaways

• Overcoming Adversity: Shaun Murphy shares how he converted his challenging childhood into a source of drive and motivation, dreaming of the father he wished for and becoming even better for his own children.
• Military Influence: The discipline and values Shaun acquired during his military service significantly shaped his personal and professional outlook, grounding him in selfless service and empathy.
• Transformative Storytelling: By incorporating hip hop, spoken word, and motivational speaking, Shaun creates a distinctive and engaging platform that captivates diverse audiences.
• Pursuing Purpose: Shaun emphasizes the importance of sitting still, listening to the universe, and tirelessly working towards one's purpose for personal and professional fulfillment.
• Continuous Self-Improvement: Shaun advocates for embracing failure as a necessary step towards success, encouraging individuals to get comfortable with discomfort and to bet on themselves.

Notable Quotes

• "I just dreamt what I wi

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

Becoming Undone is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyJBrooks. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

About the Guest(s):

Kijuan Amey is the Chief Motivational Officer at Amey Motivation, a company focused on inspiring individuals to overcome life's challenges. A former Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force and an in-flight refueling specialist, Kijuan's life took a transformational turn following a devastating motorcycle accident that left him blind and with numerous physical injuries. Despite these challenges, Kijuan has become a motivational speaker and author, sharing his journey of resilience and purpose.

Episode Summary:

In this gripping episode of Becoming Undone, hosted by Toby Brooks, we delve into the emotional and inspiring journey of Kijuan Amey. Once an ambitious airman dreaming of piloting military aircraft, Kijuan's trajectory dramatically shifted after a motorcycle accident. The episode begins by painting a vivid picture of Kijuan's early dreams and ambitions in sports, engineering, and the military, before the narrative takes a dramatic turn, highlighting the incident that left him blind and changed his life's course. As Kijuan recounts the momentous day of his accident and the extensive recovery process that followed, listeners gain profound insights into the resilience and mental fortitude required to overcome life-altering challenges.

Through an engaging conversation, the episode highlights themes of resilience, faith, and the power of reimagining one's identity after trauma. Kijuan discusses the mental and physical hurdles post-accident and how he has come to see his journey not as a setback, but an opportunity to inspire and motivate others. By exploring his concept of having lost sight but not vision, Kijuan sheds light on his approach to turning adversity into a platform for motivation and leadership through Amy Motivation. He shares poignant examples of how he's lived a full and adventurous life, even after blindness, leading to a powerful message of undeterred spirit and purpose-driven existence. This episode is a testament to human resilience and the capacity to grow and thrive beyond one's wildest expectations.

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience in Adversity: Kijuan Amey's story exemplifies how resilience can transform life-altering challenges into opportunities for personal growth and leadership.
• Faith and Purpose: Kijuan discusses how his faith played a crucial role in reshaping his purpose, providing a sturdy foundation during his recovery.
• Overcoming Physical Challenges: Despite losing his eyesight, Kijuan has engaged in activities like skiing and rock climbing, proving that physical limitations do not define one's capabilities.
• Mental vs. Physical Vision: Kijuan emphasizes the distinction between physical sight and mental vision, maintaining that although he lost his sight, his vision and drive remain intact.
• Impact of Positive I

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

Becoming Undone is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyJBrooks. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

About the Host

Toby Brooks is an academic professional specializing in athletic training and sports medicine. Currently serving as the Director of the Academy for Teaching & Learning and a Clinical Professor at Baylor University, Toby has a rich background in athletic training, having previously worked as the head football athletic trainer at Liberty University. With a proven track record in educational settings and significant experience in content creation as a former director for RPM Magazine, Toby brings a wealth of knowledge in sports medicine and strategic planning.

Episode Summary

Join Dr. Toby Brooks in this thought-provoking episode of the Professor's Playbook, also streamed as part of his popular podcast, Becoming UnDone. Toby delves into the challenging balance of strategic planning and liberality in the realms of athletic training and sports medicine. With personal anecdotes from his blue-collar upbringing and insights into strategic planning, listeners gain a valuable understanding of the importance of balancing work ethics with smart resource management.

In this episode, Toby explores the concept of liberality or generosity — not to be confused with political connotations — in the context of Aristotelian virtues. The discussion centers around strategic thinking and wise stewardship in high-performance environments, emphasizing the significance of aligning actions with values for long-lasting impact. By integrating SEO keywords such as "strategic planning," "liberality," "athletic training," and "sports performance," listeners get an enticing glimpse into Toby's insights about living responsibly while pursuing high goals.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic thinking is vital in athletic training and sports medicine, where aligning everyday actions with long-term goals defines success.
• Liberality, as an Aristotelian virtue, involves wise stewardship of resources, not limited to just financial wealth.
• Building and optimizing high-performance units rely heavily on effective people, process, and place synergy.
• Systems trump goals: Successful outcomes are achieved through well-established habits and processes rather than ambition alone.
• Regularly auditing and improving systems ensures sustainable and strategic resource use in professional and personal capacities.

Notable Quotes

• "You don't rise to the level of your goals; you fall to the level of your systems."
• "Strategic thinkers don't just do more, they do better."
• "Liberality isn’t just about money; it's the moral orientation toward wise stewardship of all resources."
• "What separates good professionals from the great ones is the ability to think strategically over time."
• "Everybody loves to set goals, but goals are outcomes."

Resources

• Toby Brooks' Linktree - Connect with Toby Brooks for more insights and updates.
• "Becoming Undone" Podcast - Explore more episodes where Toby discusses personal and professional growth strategies.
• RPM Magazine - An automotive publication once directed by Toby Brooks, highlighting his expertise in feature writing and mag

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming Undone is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyJBrooks. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

About the Guest

John Lopez is a renowned figure in athletic training with a storied career that spanned over five decades. Starting as an electrical engineer major, John pivoted to the athletic training profession, emerging as a pivotal contributor and mentor to countless individuals in the field. He served in various capacities, including being the head athletic trainer for the Baltimore Colts and an assistant with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Known for his resilience and mentorship skills, John Lopez was inducted into the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) Hall of Fame in 2012. Now retired, he continues to impact the industry with his insights and reflections on the evolving landscape of athletic training.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Becoming UnDone, host Dr. Toby Brooks delves into the extraordinary journey of John Lopez, a pioneer in athletic training who scaled the heights of the profession amid various challenges. This conversation unfolds with John sharing his unconventional path into athletic training, fueled by missteps in his early academic career and eventual redemption through perseverance. Today, he reflects on the essential role of mentorship, the evolution of the athletic training profession, and the cultural shifts needed to empower young professionals entering the field.

Key Takeaways

• Mentorship is Critical: John Lopez underscores the irreplaceable role mentorship played in his career, advocating for increased focus on mentorship for the current generation of athletic trainers.
• Adapting to Change: There's an expressed need for the athletic training profession to adapt and evolve to provide better salary conditions and work-life balance.
• Burnout is Real: Lopez candidly discusses his experiences with burnout and the importance of having a supportive family to navigate and overcome challenging times.
• Professional Misalignment: Concerns about the disconnect between the number of accredited training programs and viable job opportunities highlight a pressing issue for the profession.
• Community Support: Building strong networks and connections within the field is essential to support athletic trainers' professional and personal growth.

Notable Quotes

1. "I crashed and burned twice big time. But thank God I had a wife who was strong enough to hold me up." – John Lopez
2. "Our kids are far, far better educated than I was, or any of the people that were to us." – John Lopez
3. "If you have a good support system if you have a good spouse, a good family, and they understand what you're doing, that's important." – John Lopez
4. "In many respects, when you work for the athletics part of the organization, you're the one who basically is going to have to live by their rules." – John Lopez

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

Becoming Undone is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyJBrooks. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.