91. Finding Purpose Through Parables: A Conversation with Jeff West
What's The Point? - Discover Your Purpose
Release Date: 01/27/2025
103. Cancer, Clarity, and Calling: Diana Fritz on Finding Purpose Through Life’s Hardest Battles
What's The Point? - Discover Your Purpose
In this powerful episode of What’s the Point?, Bill Ellis welcomes leadership and change consultant Diana Fritz to share the profound journey she’s walked since her rare cancer diagnosis. Diana opens up about the physical, emotional, and spiritual impact of living with—and surviving—a life-altering form of cancer. From losing her eye in a high-risk surgery to gaining a deeper sense of mission, her story is one of grit, grace, and choosing to grow through what she’s gone through. Diana’s message is clear: adversity doesn’t have to define us—it can uniquely qualify us to serve...
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102. Legacy, Leadership & Financial Freedom: Chad Hufford on Faith-Fueled Stewardship
What's The Point? - Discover Your Purpose
In this episode of What’s the Point?, Bill sits down with Alaskan financial coach and entrepreneur Chad Hufford. Chad shares how growing up under the mentorship of his father in the finance world laid the groundwork for his passion to help families build wealth with purpose. As the founder of Veritas and a longtime Dave Ramsey SmartVestor Pro, Chad brings deep experience, a coaching mindset, and powerful insights on faith, finances, and family legacy. Chad Hufford is a lifelong Alaskan, financial advisor, and founder of Veritas, a holistic financial services firm based in Anchorage. A Ramsey...
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101. From Purpose to Possibility: Gigi Khonyongwa-Fernandez on Living Intentionally Through Life's Transitions
What's The Point? - Discover Your Purpose
Trauma. We all see it and experience it at some point...to some degree. What is it? What can we do about it? How do we move through trauma? How do we find and embrace healing? In this episode of What’s the Point?, host Bill Ellis sits down with a Professional Coach and Consultant, Trauma-Informed Certified Coach, and Founder of GKF Coaching and Consulting/Families Blossoming LLC. Gigi has a deeply personal connection to trauma and shares her compelling personal story of navigating significant life’s rollercoasters, and how these lived experiences, coupled with her...
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100. Shattering the Big Delusion: Harold Long on Addiction, Recovery, and the Power of Honest Transformation
What's The Point? - Discover Your Purpose
A Radical Rethink on Addiction and Healing In this episode of What’s the Point?, Bill Ellis is joined by Harold Long, a theologian, recovery coach, and author of The Big Delusion: Shattering the Delusions of Alcoholism and Addiction. With over 40 years of experience in recovery, Harold brings a deeply compassionate and honest perspective on what really keeps people trapped in addiction—and what it takes to finally break free. Drawing from personal experience, decades of volunteer work in the criminal justice system, and countless conversations with those in treatment and recovery, Harold...
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99. Young Salt at 60: Deborah Hammett on Reinvention, Resilience, and the Freedom of the Sea
What's The Point? - Discover Your Purpose
Redefining Retirement, One Wave at a Time In this episode of What’s the Point?, Bill Ellis welcomes Deborah Hammett, retired educator turned solo sailor and author of Young Salt at 60. After a 30+ year career as an elementary school teacher and principal on Martha’s Vineyard, Deborah did something few would expect—she learned to sail at age 60 and now lives aboard her boat, Maia, navigating the East Coast and The Bahamas. Deborah’s story is about more than sailing—it’s about reinvention, lifelong learning, and answering the question: what’s next? From her early dreams of changing...
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98. The Generous Leader: Joe Davis on Leading with Care, Driving Results, and Leaving a Legacy
What's The Point? - Discover Your Purpose
Reimagining Leadership Through Generosity In this episode of What’s the Point?, Bill Ellis is joined by Joe Davis—retired Managing Director and Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), author of The Generous Leader, and lifelong connector. Joe spent 37 years with BCG, co-founding the DC office, launching its North American public sector business, and eventually leading BCG North America. He also founded the Center for Inclusion and Equity, reflecting his core belief: the best leaders are those who help others thrive. Now in his second term as Board Chair at Whitman College, Joe...
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97. Midlife Career Change with Purpose: Scott Doyne on Identity, Transition, & Finding Your Next Chapter
What's The Point? - Discover Your Purpose
In this enlightening episode of What’s the Point?, Bill Ellis welcomes Scott Doyne—a former sports executive, keynote speaker, professional coach, and author of Exploring the Midlife Career Crisis: A Guide to Navigating the Four Stages of Career Transition. After two decades leading strategy and analytics at Turner Sports, Scott made a dramatic shift, stepping away from the world of NBA.com, March Madness, and Bleacher Report to help others redefine success in midlife. Scott unpacks how leaving behind a "dream job" can be the beginning of a more aligned and fulfilling journey. From unpaid...
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96. From Diagnosis to Empowerment: Deb Krier on Living Fully, Leading Boldly, and Building a Legacy
What's The Point? - Discover Your Purpose
An Honest Conversation About Life, Illness, and the Power of Perspective In this powerful episode of What’s the Point?, Bill Ellis sits down with Deb Krier—a seasoned marketing and communications expert, longtime business podcaster, and three-time cancer survivor—who has turned unimaginable adversity into a purposeful mission to help others live with clarity and courage. Deb's career began with a simple piece of advice: turn your passion into your profession. That led to a decades-long journey in PR, branding, social media, and communications, eventually founding Wise Women...
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95. Stress-Free Book Marketing: Rick Lite on Self-Publishing, Promotion, and Author Success
What's The Point? - Discover Your Purpose
The Road to Successful Book Publishing In this episode of What’s the Point?, Bill Ellis sits down with Rick Lite, the founder of Stress Free Book Marketing, to discuss the ins and outs of self-publishing, book promotion, and long-term success as an independent author. With decades of experience helping authors launch and market their books, Rick shares invaluable insights into what it really takes to get a book into the world—and keep it thriving. Rick’s journey into the publishing industry began unexpectedly when he stepped in to help his wife, Lori, launch her children’s book series....
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94. Mastering Mindset and Performance: Dre Baldwin on Discipline, Confidence, and Success
What's The Point? - Discover Your Purpose
In this episode of What’s the Point?, Bill Ellis sits down with Dre Baldwin, the CEO and Founder of Work On Your Game Inc. Dre’s journey from a late-blooming high school athlete to a professional basketball player spanning nine years and eight countries is nothing short of remarkable. Now, with over 103 million content views, 35 books, and 3,200+ episodes of his Work On Your Game MasterClass, Dre is a master of high performance, consistency, and personal development. If you're looking for strategies to level up your mindset, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Episode...
info_outlineHey Purpose Seekers!
Welcome to another inspiring episode of What’s the Point?, hosted by Bill Ellis. This week, we’re thrilled to welcome back Jeff C. West—an award-winning author, accomplished sales leader, and musician—to discuss the power of storytelling, finding your purpose, and the unexpected twists that shape our lives. If you loved episode 73, you’ll want to dive into this one as Jeff shares fresh insights, lessons from his latest books, and his journey from sales to celebrated author.
Meet the Guest:
Jeff C. West is the author of The Unexpected Tour Guide, Said the Lady with the Blue Hair (co-written with Lisa M. Wilber), and Streetwise to Saleswise (co-written with Bob Burg). These acclaimed parables have won multiple awards, including the Axiom Business Book Awards and the American Indie Excellence Awards. Before becoming an author, Jeff enjoyed a 30-year career in sales and leadership, guiding teams to over $150 million in recurring revenue. When he’s not writing, Jeff resides in Texas, where he plays Dixieland music—because, as he says, everyone loves the tuba player.
Episode Highlights:
- Storytelling as a Tool: By weaving lessons into engaging narratives, Jeff’s parables provide actionable insights for readers while keeping them entertained.
- Why Jeff’s Books Matter: Jeff’s books blend fiction and sales lessons to inspire readers and leaders alike.
- Purpose Evolves Over Time: Jeff’s journey from sales to storytelling demonstrates that your purpose isn’t static—it evolves as you embrace new opportunities.
- Career Pivots: The pivotal moments that shaped Jeff’s career, including his transition from sales leadership to writing.
- Roots of Success: How Jeff’s upbringing in Georgia and early work ethic laid the foundation for his achievements.
- Purpose and Accountability: The importance of finding your purpose and embracing accountability in all aspects of life.
- Inside the Writing Process: Sneak peeks into Jeff’s creative journey and upcoming projects.
- Lessons in Leadership: Strong leadership skills and integrity are transferable traits that can shape any career.
Jeff C. West reminds us that finding purpose is about embracing our strengths, learning from setbacks, and sharing our unique gifts with the world. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this episode offers invaluable lessons on leadership, storytelling, and living a purpose-driven life.
Connect with Bill:
- [email protected]
- www.brandingpillars.com
- www.brandingforresults.com
- IG - @wcellis
- Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
- LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
- Book: Women Who Won
Links for This Episode:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website(s) https://jeffcwest.com www.fusionpoints.com and www.coauthoryourmessage.com
- Speaking, Workshops and 1:1 Coaching: www.fusionpoints.com
SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffcwest/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeff.west.330/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffcwest/profilecard/?igsh=MTVvd2RqanR5MDA2Zw==
- Twitter: @JeffCWestAuthor
- Other: http://linktr.ee/jeffcwest
CURRENT PROJECTS:
Sign up for Jeff’s free, twice-weekly, FusionPoints™ Unleashed Newsletter with behind the scenes looks at my journey as an author, sales and leadership coaching, and entrepreneur mentoring, by going to https://jeffcwest.com/#FPUNEWSLETTER
Quick Episode Summary:
- 0:00 Welcome back! Bill introduces Jeff C. West and sets the stage for the episode.
- 1:10 Jeff reflects on his childhood in Dalton, Georgia, and how early challenges shaped his work ethic.
- 5:00 Lessons from Jeff’s sales career, including his journey with Aflac before and after the iconic duck campaign.
- 10:00 Why Jeff transitioned from sales to writing and how The Unexpected Tour Guide became his first award-winning book.
- 15:00 The role of faith, accountability, and resilience in Jeff’s life and career.
- 22:00 Collaborating with Lisa Wilber and Bob Burg: Insights into Jeff’s co-authoring process.
- 28:00 Jeff’s latest parable: A sneak peek into a story about financial management set during a bank robbery.
- 35:00 Advice for listeners: How to find your purpose and turn challenges into opportunities.
- 41:00 Final thoughts: Jeff shares his “point”—leaving every room better than you found it.
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