Are you ready to discover the keys to greater productivity and lead your life and team with principles that stand the test of time? Welcome to The Franklin Planner Podcast , your weekly guide to achieving your best life through proven strategies, timeless values, and expert insights. Whether you're looking for ways to boost your personal productivity, lead your team to new heights, or find lasting success, this podcast is your trusted companion on the path to intentional living. For more than 40 years, Franklin Planner has helped millions infuse their lives with meaning and clarity. Inspired by the principles of Dr. Stephen R. Covey and his groundbreaking work, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People , this podcast builds on that enduring legacy. Hosted by Franklin Planner Board Member and Owner John Harding, alongside industry expert George Wright III, each episode dives deep into the essential habits, disciplines, and leadership principles that transform both individuals and teams. Together, John and George bring decades of experience, combined with interviews from accomplished business leaders, productivity experts, and success coaches, offering valuable lessons you can apply today. From overcoming roadblocks and staying focused on the "Big Rocks" in your life to fostering collaboration and trust in your team, the discussions are rich with actionable takeaways and practical wisdom. The Franklin Planner Podcast is more than a tool for learning; it’s an invitation to a community committed to growth, purpose, and intentional living. If you're ready to take charge of your time, lead with integrity, and craft a legacy of success, this is the podcast for you. Tune in weekly, and let's unlock your full potential—one timeless principle at a time.
Here's the show notes reformatted to match the Franklin Planner style you've been using: George Wright III, John Harding, and historian Misty celebrate America's 250th anniversary by exploring four overlooked heroes of the American Revolution whose examples continue to teach timeless leadership principles. Rather than focusing on famous Founding Fathers, they examine the remarkable lives of Henry Knox, Francis Marion, Sybil Ludington, and Benjamin Rush, showing how ordinary individuals changed history through determination, resourcefulness, courage, and service. Along the way, they connect each story to modern leadership, emphasizing that greatness is not determined by status or circumstance, but by the choices we make and the values we live. The conversation concludes with a reminder that history is more than something to study—it is a guide for living a meaningful life today. 00:00 Courage Shows Up In Ordinary People 00:40 Welcome And America's 250th Anniversary 04:22 Henry Knox And Determination 07:18 The Impossible Cannon Mission 09:38 Lessons In Perseverance 12:01 Francis Marion The Swamp Fox 15:16 Guerrilla Warfare And Resourcefulness 17:08 Character Over Circumstance 20:20 Sybil Ludington And Courage 22:10 A Sixteen-Year-Old Answers The Call 23:24 Defining Moments Require Courage 26:00 Benjamin Rush And A Life Of Service 28:47 Medicine As A Calling 29:27 Serving The Poor And Forgotten 30:20 Purpose Beyond Success 31:56 Four Leadership Principles 33:10 Finding Unsung Heroes Around You 34:41 Applying History To Everyday Life 35:19 Choices Define Our Legacy 36:15 Closing Thoughts Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. Check out the New Membership Program Here: https://store.franklinplanner.com/lps/membership/ The Franklin Planner Team About Misty Howard Misty Howard is a historian‐enthusiast and podcast host who brings a fresh, youth-oriented voice to timeless values and historical wisdom. She serves as the creator and host of the podcast Faith Ignited (described as “Immersive, real stories from history, seen through the lens of faith”). Her work focuses on exploring the lives of influential historical figures—especially from the founding era of the United States—and connecting their personal values with modern leadership, mission-driven living, and character development. Misty emphasizes the importance of self-improvement, purpose, and narration of historical truths often overlooked in mainstream narratives. Her style blends historical research, faith-based insight, and practical application for younger audiences. Her contributions bring depth, perspective, and inspiration to conversations about proactive living and principle-centered leadership. Guest Resources: Podcast Link: Faith Ignited — available via Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, etc.
On the Franklin Planner “Lead Your Life” podcast, host John Harding interviews Dr. Matt Townsend, who describes how his parents’ divorce led him to study communications and conflict resolution, work at FranklinCovey for seven years, then leave about 25 years ago to coach couples and mediate divorces. They argue that relationships are central to purpose, roles, and planning, and note a study that about 60% of millennials struggle to deeply connect. Townsend shares practical tools: a “time left” circle exercise (two years to two hours) to clarify who and what matter most; the “four lights” questions—self-awareness, empathy (others’ needs and wants), vision, and conscience; and conflict guidance to move from “smoke” to “fire” by identifying unmet “STARVE” needs (safety, trust, appreciation, respect, validation, encouragement, dedication) and “get real” by recognizing emotion, exploring stories, attending to needs, and lifting the conversation. 00:00 Relationships Matter Most 01:11 Podcast Welcome And Guest Intro 02:59 Matt Townsend Origin Story 06:06 Roles Goals And Connection Crisis 13:48 Two Years To Live Exercise 16:29 Four Lights From 9 11 22:01 Using Four Lights In Teams 25:10 Smoke Versus Fire In Conflict 26:06 Bag Fight Spiral 27:35 Smoke Versus Fire 28:15 Starve Needs Framework 28:42 Safety Trust Appreciation 31:05 Respect Validation Encouragement 32:00 Dedication And Motivation 34:42 Suspend Certainty 37:23 Get Real Method 40:17 Leadership And Influence 46:26 Closing Invitation Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. Check out the New Membership Program Here: https://store.franklinplanner.com/lps/membership/ The Franklin Planner Team About Guest Dr. Matt Townsend has been energizing and involving audiences with his unique approach to building and maintaining successful relationships. Known as one of America’s top presenters in the field of Human Relations and Development, Matt blends humor and storytelling with interactive, real-life solutions that inspire motivation and immediate results in his audiences. Having dedicated his life to the study of communication and interpersonal relationships, Matt has worked extensively in the areas of results-oriented communication, conflict resolution and time management training. As a lead presenter for industry leader, Franklin Covey, Matt worked with the Family & Special Market Division and created the company’s largest train-the-trainer program, certifying more than 900 trainers to teach his customized time management curriculum. Links Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drmatttownsend LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmatttownsend/
George Wright III hosts John Harding and resident history expert Misty Howard on the Franklin Planner/Lead Your Life podcast to discuss Winston Churchill as a leadership model and why studying historical figures reveals timeless principles from “beginning to end.” Misty outlines Churchill’s difficult upbringing (wealthy but neglected, poor student, speech impediment, harshly criticized by his father), his early writing success, and his Boer War capture and daring escape that made him famous and launched his political career. They cover Churchill’s flaws, depression (“black dog”), and major mistake in World War I (Gallipoli), emphasizing that leaders need purpose and commitment more than perfection. Misty explains Churchill’s “wilderness years,” his warnings about Hitler, and how appeasement failed, leading to his rise as prime minister and his “We shall fight” speech in 1940. The hosts conclude with takeaways about mission, courage, preparation, and daily intentionality, then promote upcoming episodes, a Lead Your Life magazine, and a Franklin Planner membership. 00:00 Welcome and Guests 00:31 Why Study Leaders 01:58 Churchill Relevance 04:45 Early Life Struggles 10:48 Boer War Escape 16:27 Flaws and Resilience 20:12 Gallipoli Setback 23:27 Wilderness Years Warning 26:12 Standing Alone 31:23 Destiny and Preparation 34:59 Fight on the Beaches 41:03 Final Takeaways 46:12 Closing and Next Steps Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner Team About Misty Howard Misty Howard is a historian‐enthusiast and podcast host who brings a fresh, youth-oriented voice to timeless values and historical wisdom. She serves as the creator and host of the podcast Faith Ignited (described as “Immersive, real stories from history, seen through the lens of faith”). Her work focuses on exploring the lives of influential historical figures—especially from the founding era of the United States—and connecting their personal values with modern leadership, mission-driven living, and character development. Misty emphasizes the importance of self-improvement, purpose, and narration of historical truths often overlooked in mainstream narratives. Her style blends historical research, faith-based insight, and practical application for younger audiences. Her contributions bring depth, perspective, and inspiration to conversations about proactive living and principle-centered leadership. Guest Resources: Podcast Link: Faith Ignited — available via Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, etc.
On the Franklin Planner Podcast, co-hosts George Wright III and John Harding discuss an upcoming magazine article co-written with CEO Bob Sumbot titled “Why Quadrant Two Thinking on Paper Matters More Than Ever,” focused on Steven R. Covey’s Time Management Matrix. They describe how constant digital interruptions—often 50+ a day with 20+ minutes to refocus—create decision fatigue, overwhelm, and diminished cognitive capacity, even from a phone’s mere presence. Harding explains the four quadrants (urgent/important crises; not urgent/important planning, relationships, growth, renewal; urgent/not important interruptions and others’ priorities; not urgent/not important time-wasters) and argues that leadership and effectiveness come from living in Quadrant 2. They emphasize paper planning and the Franklin Planner system as tools that reduce distraction, deepen thinking, and help individuals and teams align personal mission and values with organizational goals through weekly and daily planning. 02:12 Why Distraction Wins 03:24 Overwhelm and Interruptions 04:37 Time Matrix Explained 06:58 Quadrants One Three Four 09:07 Quadrant Two Leadership 12:44 Paper Beats Digital 16:47 Weekly Daily Practice 22:12 Teams Alignment and Goals 26:38 Invitation and Wrap Up Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner Team
Introducing the Lead Your Life Franklin Planner Membership George Wright III and John Harding discuss Franklin Planner’s 40-year legacy, its principles-based productivity system inspired by Steven R. Covey, and modern challenges like digital distraction and overwhelm. They announce a new “Lead Your Life” membership program designed to extend the planner into a community and resource hub that helps people align with mission and values, build momentum, and focus on important, non-urgent “Quadrant II” work. The membership includes monthly guidance and planning frameworks, exclusive training and podcast extras, member offers and early product access, private Facebook community, accountability, affiliate benefits, and monthly live events featuring guests such as Steven M.R. Covey, Olympic athletes, and bestselling authors. They also mention an upcoming 64-page Lead Your Life digital magazine, emphasize the program is for anyone (planner user or not), and invite feedback from founding members. 00:35 Franklin Planner Legacy 02:39 Why Membership Now 03:14 Modern Challenges Today 05:24 Vision and Community 08:15 Membership Benefits Overview 11:21 Events and Podcast Extras 14:05 Principles Time Matrix 17:50 Magazine and Resources 19:47 Who Its For and Invite 24:03 Feedback and Founding Members 25:05 Wrap Up and Next Episodes Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. Check out the New Membership Program Here: https://store.franklinplanner.com/lps/membership/
In this masterclass-style episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, George Wright III sits down with wealth strategist and Protect Wealth founder Don Pendleton to unpack the pillars of long-term financial leadership: tax strategy, asset protection, estate planning, and wealth creation. Don shares the personal story that launched his career in asset protection after being sued following a tragic incident, and how that experience led him to decades of educating business owners, families, and professionals on protecting what they build. The conversation dives deep into the mindset shift between tax preparation and true tax planning, why having a business structure can unlock powerful legal deductions, and how proactive estate planning prevents costly family disputes and probate issues. If you want to keep more of what you earn, reduce risk, and create a lasting financial legacy, this episode delivers actionable insights you can start applying today. Key Takeaways Tax Planning vs. Tax Prep: Learn why filing taxes is not the same as building a year-round wealth strategy. The Leadership Mindset Around Money: Discover how the way you think about expenses, structures, and planning changes financial outcomes. Estate Planning Essentials: Understand the must-have documents and trust structures that protect your family and legacy. Business Structures & Tax Advantages: Why having an LLC, corporation, or even a sole proprietorship can create strategic tax opportunities. Winning the Tax Game: Focus on lowering your effective tax rate instead of chasing refunds. 02:03 – The Lawsuit That Changed Everything 06:36 – The Four Pillars of Wealth Protection 09:05 – Why Tax Strategy Starts with Mindset 10:30 – The “Free Roads vs Toll Roads” Tax Analogy 12:44 – Why Having a Business Changes Everything 14:45 – Real Estate Losses & Paper Write-Offs 20:15 – Medical Expenses, Premiums & Business Deductions 22:22 – Stop Asking “Can I?” Start Asking “How Can I?” 30:27 – What It Really Means to Win the Tax Game 33:22 – Estate Planning Essentials Everyone Needs 36:25 – Trusts, Probate & Protecting Family Wealth 42:35 – Where to Start: The Protect Wealth Summit Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner Team About the Guest: Don Pendleton is an expert in the areas of lawsuit protection, tax reduction, and estate planning and has co-authored multiple textbooks and articles.Every year, he is a featured presenter during numerous seminars and workshops onasset protectionrelated subjects.His books and trainings have helped thousands of business owners, investors, and professionals save millions of dollars.He is one of the nation’s top asset protection advisors and has been helping professionals properly structure themselves for lawsuit protection and tax reduction.His knowledge, expertise, and straightforward teaching style have made him one of the top asset protection speakers in the nation Guest Resource: Website: https://protectwealth.com/our-team/don-pendleton/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donpendleton/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProtectWealthAcademy/
George Wright III is joined by two-time world champion and Olympic medalist Noelle Pikus-Pace to discuss her journey from skeleton racing to becoming a global speaker and author. Noelle shares the pivotal moment of her devastating 2005 injury while ranked #1 in the world and the conscious choice she made to push through rather than let the setback define her. They talk about the importance of knowing your purpose, both lifelong and "in real time," to ensure your identity is not solely tied to professional success. Noelle introduces the "Friction Factor" using a bell curve to illustrate the "sweet spot" of peak performance located between disengagement (too little friction) and burnout (too much friction). She also discusses being "process-oriented" rather than "results-driven," citing how losing an Olympic medal by a 10th of a second due to dragging shoelaces taught her about the power of small margins and daily decisions. Noelle concludes with the core message of her book, No Excuses : focusing on the next 60 seconds to take full ownership of one's life and align daily actions with long-term purpose. 01:22 Getting "Tricked" into Skeleton 04:30 The 2005 Injury and the Choice to Move Forward 06:00 Identity vs. Purpose in Real Time 08:56 Choosing Your Next 60 Seconds 09:20 Writing "No Excuses" in an RV 11:00 The 2010 Fourth-Place Finish 13:00 The Shoelace Margin 15:40 Realigning for the 2014 Olympics with Family 17:15 Process-Oriented vs. Results-Driven 19:10 Winning Silver vs. Losing Gold 22:20 The Friction Factor Bell Curve 26:00 Corner 12 and Root Cause Analysis 29:45 The Power of the Next Minute Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner Team About the Guest: Noelle Pikus-Pace Noelle Pikus-Pace is a retired American skeleton racer and one of the most decorated athletes in the history of the sport. Beyond her medals, she is widely recognized for her extraordinary resilience and the "Moment of the Games" celebration with her family at the 2014 Olympics. Guest Resources: Official Website: NoellePikusPace.com Instagram: @noellepikuspace LinkedIn: Noelle Pikus Pace Facebook: Noelle Pikus-Pace Fan Page
George Wright III and co-host John Harding discuss leadership and propose that an organization’s greatest growth opportunity lies in deeply valuing and investing in its key stakeholders: employees, customers, suppliers, partners, and others. They talk about “deep respect” as a growth strategy and cite research linking engagement and organizational health to higher profitability, productivity, and shareholder returns. Two primary obstacles are outlined: the “mission-strategy-success gap,” where few employees understand or connect daily work to strategy, and the “productivity avalanche,” driven by constant digital interruptions and low-value activity. Harding introduces “being on signal” as the solution: dual alignment with the organization’s mission and each stakeholder’s definition of success, supported by clarity, rhythm, measurement, trust, and systems such as Franklin Planner. 01:26 Stakeholders Drive Growth 04:35 Respect as Strategy 09:05 Mission Strategy Gap 13:07 Productivity Avalanche 16:20 On Signal Solution 20:21 Franklin Planner System Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner Team
This week on the Podcast, co-hosts George Wright III and John Harding talk with resident history expert Misty Howard about the U.S. 250th anniversary and the leadership lessons of George Washington. They frame Washington as a case study in value-based leadership: choosing duty over personal comfort, anchoring to civil and religious liberty, and living for a cause greater than self. Misty describes Washington’s reluctance to accept command, the extreme hardship and losses of the Revolutionary War, including Valley Forge, and how he built unity, trust, and resilience by sharing deprivation and leading from the front. They highlight his refusal to take a salary, his role in defusing the unpaid officers’ near-mutiny, and his restraint in rejecting power after victory, emphasizing that freedom requires responsibility, sacrifice, and character. 00:26 America 250th Anniversary 02:12 Why Washington Served 04:26 Trepidation and Stakes 07:22 Cause Greater Than Self 09:53 Leading by Sacrifice 10:45 Defusing a Mutiny 13:16 Timeless Principles Today 18:24 Valley Forge Resilience 22:48 Rejecting Absolute Power 25:49 Final Lessons and Quote Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner Team About Misty Howard Misty Howard is a historian‐enthusiast and podcast host who brings a fresh, youth-oriented voice to timeless values and historical wisdom. She serves as the creator and host of the podcast Faith Ignited (described as “Immersive, real stories from history, seen through the lens of faith”). Her work focuses on exploring the lives of influential historical figures—especially from the founding era of the United States and connecting their personal values with modern leadership, mission-driven living, and character development. Misty emphasizes the importance of self-improvement, purpose, and the narration of historical truths that are often overlooked in mainstream narratives. Her style blends historical research, faith-based insight, and practical application for younger audiences. Her contributions bring depth, perspective, and inspiration to conversations about proactive living and principle-centered leadership.
How to Be Proactive: Timeless Lessons from History on Leadership, Responsibility, and Personal Growth Are you living intentionally — or simply reacting to everything life throws at you? In this episode, discover how history’s greatest leaders mastered personal responsibility, emotional control, and proactive decision-making to shape their destiny. In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast , host George Wright III is joined by Franklin Planner board member John Harding and historian and podcast host Misty Howard for a powerful conversation on what it truly means to be proactive. Rooted in Dr. Stephen R. Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People , the discussion explores how individuals can shift from reacting to circumstances to intentionally choosing their responses. The guests explain how language shapes mindset, why governing values create long-term stability, and how focusing on what you can control expands personal influence. Misty brings history to life through compelling examples of Viktor Frankl , Abraham Lincoln , and Abraham Clark , demonstrating how courage, discipline, and principle-based living enable people to rise above extreme adversity. John connects these timeless lessons to practical application, emphasizing how daily habits and values-driven planning empower leadership at every stage of life. Listeners will walk away with actionable insights to strengthen personal accountability, emotional control, and purpose-driven living. 04:30 – Acting vs. Being Acted Upon 09:15 – Language Patterns and Personal Responsibility 15:40 – Viktor Frankl and Choosing Freedom in Adversity 25:10 – Abraham Lincoln and Emotional Discipline 34:20 – Governing Values and the Circle of Influence 42:45 – Abraham Clark and Loyalty to Principles 50:10 – Invictus Poem and Personal Ownership Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner Team About Misty Howard Misty Howard is a historian‐enthusiast and podcast host who brings a fresh, youth-oriented voice to timeless values and historical wisdom. She serves as the creator and host of the podcast Faith Ignited (described as “Immersive, real stories from history, seen through the lens of faith”). Her work focuses on exploring the lives of influential historical figures—especially from the founding era of the United States—and connecting their personal values with modern leadership, mission-driven living, and character development. Misty emphasizes the importance of self-improvement, purpose, and narration of historical truths often overlooked in mainstream narratives. Her style blends historical research, faith-based insight, and practical application for younger audiences. Her contributions bring depth, perspective, and inspiration to conversations about proactive living and principle-centered leadership. Guest Resources: Podcast Link: Faith Ignited — available via Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, etc.
In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast , George Wright III hosts an Exclusive Interview with Cardone, a renowned business expert and author. Grant delves into his philosophy on achieving success, emphasizing the importance of self-respect, personal responsibility, and maintaining integrity in all affairs. He shares insights on his practical approach to growth, elaborating on his 10X rule, and discusses the significance of big vision and wealth as tools for broader goals. Grant also touches on the value of writing down goals as a daily discipline, the critical nature of completing tasks, and how his family integrates into his work life. Through anecdotes and personal examples, he inspires listeners to lead their lives actively, without excuses, and to hustle for opportunities in today's economy. 01:53 What Matters Most: Personal Responsibility and Integrity 03:56 The 10X Rule: Vision and Growth 12:46 Wealth and Success: Redefining Wealth 21:21 Daily Rituals and Personal Discipline 25:53 Blind Spots and Continuous Learning 28:43 Digital Overwhelm: Staying Focused 29:51 Avoiding Digital Distractions 30:58 The Power of Writing Goals 34:08 Leadership and Personal Responsibility 42:36 Creating a Balanced Life 47:29 Challenging Conventional Wisdom Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner Team About Guest: Grant Cardone Grant Cardone is an American entrepreneur, real estate investor, sales strategist, and motivational speaker. He is the founder and CEO of Cardone Capital, a real estate private equity firm with billions of dollars in assets under management, and the creator of the 10X philosophy, which focuses on massive action and goal achievement. Cardone is also a New York Times bestselling author of multiple business books, a frequent keynote speaker, and the host of popular business and entrepreneurship programs and events worldwide. Guest Resources: Website: https://grantcardone.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grantcardonefan/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrantCardone LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantcardone/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GrantCardone
In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, hosts George Wright III and John Harding welcome special guest Ben Kjar. Ben, an American wrestler, international speaker, real estate investor, and motivational figure, shares his remarkable life story of overcoming Crouzon syndrome to become a NCAA Division One Wrestling All American and a world champion wrestler. Ben discusses the principles and daily rituals that have guided his success, emphasizing the importance of setting clear goals, involving supportive people, and maintaining a rigorous daily routine. The conversation also delves into Ben's upcoming movie 'Standout', which documents his journey and aims to inspire others to realize their potential and overcome obstacles. The film, releasing on January 23rd, aims to reach a wide audience to spread its powerful message. Ben's story and advice offer valuable insights for anyone looking to lead a successful and fulfilling life. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:44 Ben Kjar's Early Life and Challenges 01:44 Overcoming Obstacles and Achieving Success 04:52 The Power of Setting Goals 07:31 Support Systems and Accountability 18:40 Daily Rituals for Success 19:31 Morning Routine and Workout Priorities 21:07 The Crown Code: A Way of Living 22:23 Principles and Goals: A Personal Story 24:01 Overcoming Adversity: Wrestling Journey 30:59 The Impact of the Movie 'Stand Out' 36:25 Final Thoughts and Call to Action Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner Team About Guest: Ben Kjar Ben Kjar was born with Crouzons syndrome (a craniofacial anomaly), and as a young boy the doctors told him that he would live a different life.....and that’s exactly what he’s done! He has risen above any of life’s challenges and become a Victor not a victim. Ben is Utah Valley University’s first-ever NCAA Division 1 Wrestling All-American and has represented the USA team internationally. Ben is an international professional speaker and has told his story to millions around the globe, in front of crowds of up to 10,000 people! Guest Resources: Website: https://www.benkjar.com/ Instagram: @benkjar Facebook: Ben Kjar X (formerly Twitter): @benkjar LinkedIn: Ben Kjar Film Website: https://standoutfilm.com/ https://blog.franklinplanner.com/born-to-standout-ben-kjars-journey-of-courage-discipline-and-purpose/
In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, host George Wright III welcomes esteemed guest Stephen M.R. Covey , a global authority on leadership, trust, and organizational performance. Covey discusses his legacy of timeless principles in leadership and trust, stemming from the influential teachings of his father, Dr. Stephen R. Covey. The conversation delves into the importance of trust as both a social virtue and economic driver, emphasizing the concept of 'Smart Trust' as a strategic and calculated way to build trust in teams and organizations. Covey outlines his 'Five Waves of Trust' model, which starts with self-trust and ripples out to team, organization, marketplace, and societal trust. He shares practical daily actions such as identifying high-leverage behaviors, declaring intentions, and being more trusting to help individuals build self-trust and improve their leadership. The episode is packed with actionable insights aimed at helping listeners lead their lives more effectively by prioritizing trust and integrity. 00:49 Stephen Covey's Background and Legacy 02:07 Foundational Principles of Leadership 07:08 Building Trust in Organizations 10:56 The Economics of Trust 18:46 The Ripple Effect of Trust 25:49 Building Self-Trust 26:48 The Power of Small Commitments 30:45 Common Behaviors That Break Trust 36:22 Extending Smart Trust 41:01 Daily Actions to Build Trust Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner Team About Guest: Stephen M.R. Covey is a bestselling author, speaker, and leadership expert known for his work on trust, ethics, and high performance , particularly his book The SPEED of Trust , which frames trust as a crucial economic driver, not just a soft skill. He's the former CEO of Covey Leadership Center, instrumental in making his father's 7 Habits famous, and now leads FranklinCovey's Global Speed of Trust Practice, advocating for "Trust & Inspire" leadership over old "Command & Control" methods. Guest Resources: Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/StephenMRCovey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenmrcovey/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100029016867179 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-m-r-covey-6400191a5/ Other Useful Online Links Personal / Project Website: Trust & Inspire — https://trustandinspire.com/ Insight Out Show Professional Site: Speed of Trust — https://www.speedoftrust.com/ https://blog.franklinplanner.com/stephen-m-r-covey-how-high-trust-leaders-get-better-results-in-life-and-work/
In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, host George Wright III interviews Dr. William Danko, bestselling author and wealth-building expert. Dr. Danko shares insights from his landmark books, 'The Millionaire Next Door' and 'Richer Than a Millionaire,' discussing habits of ordinary millionaires, the importance of frugality and saving, and the Golden Rule's role in achieving true prosperity. He also delves into personal stories that shaped his values and career, including caring for his quadriplegic brother and the creation of the Milton and Mary Danko Golden Rule Award. Dr. Danko emphasizes the importance of intentional living, charitable giving, and practical financial planning for achieving both financial success and life satisfaction. 01:27 Dr. William Danko's Background and Family Influence 07:19 Core Concepts from 'The Millionaire Next Door' 17:38 The Golden Rule and Charitable Living 23:04 Timeless Principles for Financial Success and Happiness 26:17 Final Thoughts and Practical Advice Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner Team About Guest: Dr. William D. Danko Dr. William D. Danko is a much-sought after adviser on marketing and the behavior of the affluent. He co-authored The Millionaire Next Door , a research-based book about wealth in America that has been ranked as a bestseller by The New York Times for more than three years. Over four million copies have been sold and it continues to be featured in national book chains. More recently, he coauthored Richer Than A Millionaire ~ A Pathway To True Prosperity, a book that shows how to build wealth with a greater purpose in mind. It offers special value to younger people with the ambition to be wealthy and happy, yet lacking sustainable strategies and tools. His publications have appeared in the Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Business Research, Journal of Advertising Research, and other leading journals. He has presented his research findings in nearly every State, as well as in Australia, Canada, Germany, Poland, Switzerland, and Taiwan. Guest Resources THE MILLIONAIRE NEXT DOOR RICHER THAN A MILLIONAIRE https://blog.franklinplanner.com/a-pathway-to-prosperity-with-dr-william-d-danko/
In this episode of the Franklin Planner podcast, host John Harding converses with the versatile and insightful Dr. Breck England . They delve into Dr. England's extensive background, his work with leadership and productivity solutions at Franklin Covey, and the impactful Franklin Planner system. The discussion centers around the story of Margot, a woman striving to find balance in her chaotic life through the principles of the Franklin Planner. Dr. England elaborates on core components like values, goals, intermediate steps, and the weekly and daily planning process. Additionally, the episode explores the benefits of integrating both digital and paper planning tools to maximize productivity and maintain focus on what matters most. Ending with a tribute to Benjamin Franklin's influence, this episode is a comprehensive guide to enhancing personal and professional life through thoughtful planning. 00:52 Introducing Dr. Breck England 01:30 Breck's Professional Journey 03:49 Margot's Story: Overcoming Challenges 07:47 The Franklin Planner System 10:26 Defining Personal Values and Goals 13:38 The Productivity Pyramid 27:10 Mission, Vision, and Purpose 33:47 Setting Meaningful Goals 34:20 The Power of the Calendar 36:20 Achieving Goals with Intermediate Steps 39:28 The Importance of Writing Things Down 41:34 Balancing Digital and Paper Planning 45:12 Weekly and Daily Planning 53:38 The Planner System's Impact on Life Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner Team About Guest: Dr. Breck England Dr. Breck England is Senior Product Architect and Writer-in-Chief for FranklinCovey. As a senior consultant, Breck has 25 years of field experience in helping some of the world's prime corporations become more effective in leadership and communication. He has directed projects for some 200 organizations around the world, including Bristol-Myers Squibb, Bank of America, GE, AT&T, Groupe Bull, Hoffmann-La Roche, Chevron, and Lawrence-Livermore Laboratories. Before joining FranklinCovey, Breck served as Vice President of Intellectual Property for FranklinQuest and Vice President of Consulting for Shipley Associates, an international communication training firm. Breck earned a Ph.D. in English from the University of Utah and was adjunct professor of organizational leadership and strategy in the Marriott School of Brigham Young University for seven years. Book: Presentation Advantage: How to Inform and Persuade Any Audience Podcast: https://breckengland.podbean.com/ https://blog.franklinplanner.com/living-with-purpose-with-breck-england/
In this episode of the Franklin Planner podcast, hosts George Wright III and John Harding welcome special guest Shawn Moon, chairman and CEO of Zerorez. Shawn shares insights from his extensive background in leadership, having held executive roles at Franklin Covey and worked with Fortune 500 companies and government organizations worldwide. The discussion covers the importance of timeless principles from the 'Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,' highlighting their universality and relevance across different cultures and organizational levels. Shawn emphasizes the significance of weekly planning and daily personal victories as foundational to effective leadership. He also provides a sneak peek into his upcoming book, which distills wisdom from interviews with 100 CEOs. Personal anecdotes about Stephen R. Covey underscore the enduring power of these principles in both professional and personal life. This episode offers actionable advice for leading oneself and others effectively in today's complex world. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:35 Meet Shawn Moon: A Leader's Journey 03:39 The Impact of the Seven Habits 06:58 Applying Principles in Business and Life 16:03 The Power of Weekly Planning 23:21 Daily Private Victory: Sharpening the Saw 28:09 The Power of Choice: Habit One 28:48 Defining Your Values: Habit Two 29:11 Executing Priorities: Habit Three 29:43 Foundations of Personal Leadership 30:03 Effective vs. Ineffective Leaders 31:06 The Importance of Principles 32:37 Researching Leadership Insights 33:30 Lessons from Top CEOs 42:07 Remembering Stephen R. Covey 46:47 The Role of Empathy in Leadership Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner Team About Guest: Shawn Moon CEO, DIRECTOR & BOARD MEMBER OF BOTH THE USA AND UK COMPANIES Shawn is our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, a position he has held since September 2017; previously he served as a member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Moon has over 35 years of executive experience, having spent over 25 years with the FranklinCovey Company where he served as the Executive Vice President and had responsibility for the company's direct offices and operations globally. He was also a principle with Mellon Financial. Since joining as CEO, Mr. Moon has transformed Zerorez, increasing revenue, profitability, and securing private equity funding with PE firm Banner Ventures. For his accomplishments, he was recently named as a finalist for EY Entrepreneur of the Year. Mr. Moon is a Wall Street Journal best-selling author, and he and his wife live at the base of the Wasatch Mountains and have 4 children 7 wonderful grandchildren. Guest Resources: Website UK Website Instagram Facebook Page https://blog.franklinplanner.com/cultivating-success-timeless-principles-with-shawn-moon/
In this episode of the Franklin Planner podcast, hosts George Wright III and John Harding welcome special guest Misty Howard, a passionate advocate for timeless values and historical wisdom. They delve into the life of Benjamin Franklin, exploring his early years, the values that inspired the Franklin Planner system, and how he discovered his mission. Misty shares Franklin's journey from a challenging youth to becoming a pivotal historical figure through virtues like temperance, silence, and resolution. The discussion emphasizes the importance of self-evaluation, developing a personal value system, and the correlation between virtue and happiness. The episode concludes with actionable advice for listeners of all ages on how to cultivate character and transform their lives by aligning with timeless principles. 00:34 Benjamin Franklin's Early Life and Virtues 02:42 Discovering Your Mission and Purpose 04:20 Benjamin Franklin's Youth and Determination 15:04 The Turning Point: From Drifting to Deliberate Purpose 20:06 The 13 Virtues of Benjamin Franklin 27:34 Applying Franklin's Principles Today Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner Team About Guest: Misty Howard Misty Howard is a historian‐enthusiast and podcast host who brings a fresh, youth-oriented voice to timeless values and historical wisdom. She serves as the creator and host of the podcast Faith Ignited (described as “Immersive, real stories from history, seen through the lens of faith”). Her work focuses on exploring the lives of influential historical figures—especially from the founding era of the United States—and connecting their personal values with modern leadership, mission-driven living, and character development. Misty emphasizes the importance of self-improvement, purpose, and narration of historical truths often overlooked in mainstream narratives. Her style blends historical research, faith-based insight, and practical application for younger audiences. Guest Resources: Podcast Link: Faith Ignited — available via Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, etc. https://blog.franklinplanner.com/benjamin-franklins-13-virtues-with-misty-howard/
In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, hosts George Wright III and John Harding are joined by Mayor Michelle Kaufusi of Provo, Utah. As Provo's first female mayor with a background on the Provo City School Board, Mayor Kaufusi shares her inspiring story of overcoming a challenging childhood, her drive for excellence, and her journey into leadership. She highlights the importance of trust, love, and maternal instincts in governing a city and building effective teams. The discussion delves into her guiding principles, mission statement, and the balance between her professional role and personal life, offering valuable insights for individuals and leaders looking to make a significant impact in their communities. 01:04 Mayor Michelle Kaufusi's Background 04:01 Challenges and Early Life 06:59 Path to Leadership 10:12 Values and Vision 17:56 Maternal Instincts in Leadership 19:16 Leadership and Team Management 19:56 The Role of a Mayor: A Lifestyle, Not a Job 20:14 Choosing the Right Deputy Mayor 21:34 Mission Statement: Exceptional Care for an Exceptional Community 23:18 Building Trust Within the Community 28:31 Balancing Growth and Community Values 29:37 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Leaders Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner Team About Guest: Mayor Michelle Kaufusi Michelle Kaufusi has served as the 45th mayor of Provo, Utah since December 5, 2017, and is the city’s first female mayor. Born and raised in Provo, she earned a B.S. in Geography from Brigham Young University. Prior to being mayor, she served on the Provo School Board and in other civic roles; as mayor her oversight has included major infrastructure projects, an emphasis on fiscal responsibility, public safety, and smart growth. Her leadership has seen Provo earn national recognition as a “Best-Performing City” multiple years in a row. Resources: Michelle Kaufusi Provo Mayor Facebook Instagram Provo Website https://blog.franklinplanner.com/values-driven-leadership-mayor-michelle-kaufusis-story/
In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, host George Wright III explores the common struggle of feeling busy but unproductive. Drawing on the insights of Dr. Stephen Covey, particularly Habit 3: 'Put First Things First' from his renowned book 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,' the episode delves into the importance of weekly planning. Wright explains Covey's analogy of viewing life through different lenses—wide angle, telephoto, and standard—to emphasize the need for balance and intention. Through weekly planning, individuals can align their tasks with their long-term goals and mission, prioritizing what truly matters over the urgent but less important distractions. The episode concludes with Dr. Covey's advice on identifying key roles, setting 'big rocks' or essential goals, and scheduling these priorities to lead a principle-centered life. 01:06 Stephen Covey's Three Lenses 01:59 The Power of Weekly Planning 02:52 Applying Weekly Planning in Today's World 03:45 Dr. Stephen R. Covey on Perspective 06:30 Steps to Effective Weekly Planning 08:52 Real-World Example of Prioritizing 10:16 Conclusion: Organize Around Priorities Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner Team https://blog.franklinplanner.com/the-power-of-perspective-by-stephen-r-covey-on-weekly-planning/
In this episode of the Franklin Planner podcast, the host welcomes special guest Ashley Campbell, an author, photographer, and community leader who, along with her family, embarked on a 17-year-long journey culminating in a year-long trip around the world. They discuss Ashley's inspiration behind the trip, the steps and sacrifices made to achieve this dream, and the importance of intentional living. Ashley shares various stories from their travels, emphasizing resilience, flexibility, and the value of immersing in local cultures. She also talks about the impact of the trip on her family's perspectives and the process of writing her book. 01:50 Ashley Campbell's Family Travel Dream 04:08 Financial and Character Preparation for the Journey 09:11 International Travel Experiences and Lessons 13:25 Unexpected Challenges and Family Resilience 17:25 Memorable Stories and Connections Made 20:25 Immersive Travel Experiences 23:27 The Journey to Writing a Book 26:38 Processing the Trip Through Writing 28:59 Life After the Trip 32:11 Advice for Pursuing Big Dreams 35:28 Defining a Successful Life 36:28 Connecting with the Author 37:42 Final Thoughts and Challenge Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner Team About Ashley Campbell Ashley Campbell is a photographer, writer, and lifelong adventure seeker. She is the author of the book I’ve Never Been Here Before, a book about her family’s year-long world travels. She is also the founder of SnapShop Online , a photography school that has taught the basics of photography to thousands of children and adults. She has explored 31 countries, most with her favorite travel partners: her husband, Chris, and their five kids. Ashley actively chases opportunities to explore the unknown and learn from the world’s diversity, encouraging others to see beauty in the seemingly mundane. She resides with her family in Oklahoma, three miles from her childhood home. Resources Website: https://www.ashleyannphotography.com/blog/my-book/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/underthesycamore/ https://blog.franklinplanner.com/a-journey-of-intention-the-campbell-familys-year-long-world-travel/
