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91. Finding Purpose Through Parables: A Conversation with Jeff West

What's The Point? - Discover Your Purpose

Release Date: 01/27/2025

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Hey 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.

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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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