In this episode, Aaron Gordon welcomes guest Brandon Smith to discuss the essence of hustle and effort in pursuing goals. Brandon shares his journey, highlighting personal challenges and triumphs, including delivering a TEDx talk, which he describes as a career pinnacle. Despite facing setbacks, such as a significant change in speaking engagements, Brandon emphasizes the importance of persistence and redefining success. The conversation dives into the motivational aspect of hustle, touching on how both Aaron and Brandon are inspired by the support and influence of their families. They agree that hustle is about consistent effort rather than predetermined outcomes, urging listeners to define success on their own terms. The episode wraps up with Brandon sharing his favorite inspirational quote, encouraging listeners to make impactful changes, one life at a time. Tune in for this insightful conversation about the power of perseverance and redefining what hustle means to you.

Get To Know Brandon Smith Brandon Smith is an accomplished public speaker, entrepreneur, and author, renowned for his engaging storytelling and motivational insights. As the host of "The Missoula Podcast" and co-author of the bestselling children’s book "Happy as a Hippo," he combines creativity with a passion for inspiring others. In 2024, Brandon was honored to present at TEDx, where he shared his insights on “The Power of Presence,” emphasizing that true happiness lies in living in the moment.

With over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, Brandon currently holds the position of Executive Vice President of Marketing & Communications at Glidewell, a prominent insurance and investment firm based in Montana. His innovative business strategies have earned him several accolades, including the inaugural Liberty Mutual Agent for The Future Award in 2019, recognizing his forward-thinking and technologically adept approach to the industry. Additionally, his significant contributions to entrepreneurship have been acknowledged with the prestigious Presidential Ambassador of Global Entrepreneurship award, presented by Daymond John of Shark Tank and former President Obama.

A former collegiate basketball player at Southwestern University, Brandon is also a passionate Red Sox fan, a coffee enthusiast, and enjoys the comforts of down comforters and reliable Wi-Fi. He resides in Missoula, Montana, with his wife Joy and their three children, Avery, Boston, and Harper.

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3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Transforming Personal Insecurities into Motivation: Brandon shares how his early life fears and insecurities fueled his drive to succeed. Instead of succumbing to negative emotions, he used them as a catalyst for hustle and growth, proving that challenges can turn into powerful motivation sources.

2. Embracing Effort Over Outcome: Throughout the episode, both Aaron and Brandon emphasize the significance of consistent effort. They discuss how hustle isn't defined by speed or immediate success but by continual effort and perseverance - whether it's in sports, public speaking, or personal growth.

3. The Impact of Leading by Example: Brandon's TEDx experience illustrates the profound impact of achieving and showcasing dreams to inspire others, particularly family. His journey teaches us that pursuing dreams not only fulfills personal ambitions but also creates a blueprint for others to follow, particularly our children.

Show Overview: 00:00 Childhood Fears and Competitive Sports

04:59 Redefining Hustle: Inspire Yourself

07:34 Hustle Eliminates Doubt

10:24 TED Acceptance: The Real Victory

15:01 Inspiring Dreams through Parental Impact

16:39 Children and Pursuing Dreams Debate

22:36 Judging Success by Trajectory

23:53 Motivating Change, One Life at a Time