In this episode, Alex explores the dynamic between reactive creativity and proactive strategy. While emphasizing the need for both, Alex explores the need for a more proactive and strategic focus in his life. You'll hear a few relevant stories and examples to show how this applies in Alex's life roles as a founder, father, and friend, which might align with your personal roles. Either way, this episode may give you insights into how you can assess where you personally might be lacking in being reactive or proactive.

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Appreciation is more than just a nice feeling...it’s a force that can fundamentally change outcomes, relationships, and even culture. Building on Season 2 Episode 1, Alex addresses one master question: What does it take to live and lead in a way where appreciation becomes a superpower in your everyday life?.

Alex explores how he makes appreciation an active force across his three core roles:

• As a Founder: Discover practical ways to integrate gratitude into your professional life, from starting nearly every meeting with a discussion on what people are grateful for , to cultivating empathy for customers by refusing to make fun of them behind their backs. He shares how this approach creates a positive tone and fundamentally changes how they treat partners.
• As a Father: Learn why matching your words with your actions is the toughest part of being an appreciative parent. Alex discusses the daily struggle of letting go of ego and fear , and how setting a tone of appreciation for others in the community helps kids see the good in the world.
• As a Friend (and Community Member): Alex challenges listeners to make appreciation a "game". Find a "foothold" or "toehold"—something, anything—you can appreciate about someone you disagree with, from politics to personal preferences, to gain traction and growth.

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📩 Have a question for Alex? Email us at flourish@reneman.com

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Season 2 is here and we're starting with a theme of gratitude, which ties perfectly with this Thanksgiving holiday week.

Alex shares a story from when he was serving in the Iraq War and how the simple phrase "thank you very much" likely saved many lives in a near deadly encounter.

💬 Share this episode with someone, but start with gratitude first by telling them something you appreciate about them

📩 Have a question for Alex? Email us at flourish@reneman.com

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