Proximity with Ken Joslin

What does 30 years of sobriety look like when it's not just about avoiding substances, but about living an extraordinary life? Kirk Driskell answers this question with a radical commitment – hiking 300 miles in 30 days to raise awareness and $150,000 for addiction recovery.Kirk's journey began at rock bottom as a 20-year-old college fraternity president who reluctantly entered treatment, primarily to appease his worried family. The turning point came when he encountered someone whose genuine happiness in recovery made him think, "I don't have to believe it myself yet – I just have to believe that he believes it." That spark of hope changed everything.Vision Warriors, the nonprofit organization Kirk founded, emerged organically during the 2008 financial crisis as a response to overwhelming need. What sets it apart isn't fancy programming or corporate structure – it's the authentic brotherhood that forms when men who've walked through darkness help others find their way back. Their philosophy is refreshingly direct: "Change your heart or change your address."The most powerful aspect of Kirk's story is how recovery principles have shaped his approach to entrepreneurship, leadership, and life itself. By focusing on identity (who am I beyond my addiction?), accountability (am I willing to hear hard truths?), and purpose (what am I here to contribute?), Vision Warriors has helped thousands of men rebuild their lives.Kirk's wisdom for those struggling with addiction or who have lost loved ones cuts through the noise: "The obsession takes over. Yes, it's affecting them, but it affects the entire community. There are too many empty chairs at dining room tables, and someone's got to do something about it."Want to support this life-changing work? Follow Kirk's 300-mile journey, donate to the cause, or even join him for a portion of the trail. Because as Kurt says, "No one should walk alone."

What happens when a dedicated medical professional decides to break away from corporate healthcare and create something transformative? In this compelling conversation with Josh Porter, we journey through the remarkable evolution of a physician assistant who turned his frustration with reactive medicine into a thriving hormone optimization business with five locations across the Southeast.Josh candidly shares his humble beginnings—subletting space in a chiropractic office, working evenings and weekends while maintaining his corporate job, and making cold calls during lunch breaks. His story isn't just about business growth but encompasses profound personal transformation. Despite early financial constraints, Josh made the pivotal decision to hire Mandy Livingston, a move that catalyzed his company's expansion from $497,000 to nearly $2 million in revenue within a single year.The conversation takes a powerful turn as Josh reveals how joining a faith-based entrepreneurial community forced him to confront deep-seated insecurities stemming from childhood experiences with his father. This emotional breakthrough proved essential to his development as a leader capable of scaling an organization while maintaining integrity in his relationships.Perhaps most valuable is Josh's insight that "proximity is a cheat code"—the transformative power of surrounding yourself with mentors and peers who challenge you to think bigger. Within just two years, he expanded from one clinic to five locations, grew from 10 to 21 employees, and increased annual revenue to approximately $4 million. Yet through this impressive growth, Josh emphasizes that sustainable success requires both business acumen and personal growth across all dimensions of life.Whether you're just starting your entrepreneurial journey or looking to scale an existing business, Josh's story offers practical wisdom on embracing process, investing in relationships, and building a purpose-driven organization. Connect with us monthly in Atlanta at our proximity gatherings and discover how the right community can accelerate your path to meaningful success. growstackdrive.com/proximity 

What happens when faith and entrepreneurship collide at full speed? Ken and Nate reveal the journey behind building the GSD Purpose Engine, an ecosystem designed specifically for faith-based entrepreneurs seeking alignment in their core five areas: faith, health, relationships, business, and finances.The story begins five years ago at a coffee shop in Georgia, where two men with complementary gifts – a visionary and an architect – forged a mission to help entrepreneurs see their faith as a superpower rather than a liability in the marketplace. Fast forward to today, their CREATE Conference just welcomed over 400 faith-fueled business owners eager to connect their Sunday beliefs with their Monday actions.At the heart of their message lies a profound shift from conventional business thinking. While most entrepreneurs chase success hoping to find significance, Ken and Nate argue for the reverse: pursue significance first, and success naturally follows. Similarly, they challenge the growth-at-all-costs mentality by introducing an expansion mindset—focusing on WHO you surround yourself with rather than WHAT systems you implement."We're leaving the era of growth and entering the era of expansion," Nate explains, highlighting how this approach becomes particularly vital in today's "trust economy" where authenticity stands as the ultimate differentiator. As AI increasingly blurs the lines between real and artificial, the genuine purpose driving faith-based entrepreneurs becomes their most valuable asset.Whether you're feeling isolated in your entrepreneurial journey, struggling to connect your faith with your business practices, or simply seeking a tribe of like-minded visionaries, the GSD Purpose Engine offers a refreshingly different approach. Their Proximity Series events, held monthly in Atlanta, provide a tangible entry point for those ready to embrace the process of building a business that reflects their deepest values and highest calling. No hype, no quick fixes—just authentic connection and purposeful expansion.

What if you could create enough passive income to cover your monthly expenses, giving you true financial freedom to spend your time as you choose? Joey Muré, co-founder of Wealth Without Wall Street, reveals how kingdom-minded entrepreneurs can escape the rat race without relying on Wall Street's traditional retirement model.Joey shares his personal awakening moment when, as a successful mortgage broker, he realized he was physically present but mentally absent during family vacations – constantly telling his wife and daughters "I'll be right down" after one more call, only to join them hours later as they were leaving the beach. This disconnect became his line-in-the-sand moment that launched his journey toward financial freedom.The conversation exposes how traditional financial planning creates what Joey calls a "scarcity mindset," where people spend decades building a "mountain of cash" they hope will last through retirement. Instead, Joey advocates creating passive income streams that provide freedom now, allowing entrepreneurs to live abundantly while making greater impact with their time and resources.Through compelling stories like Sid, an excavator who created $50,000/month in passive income after a snow biking accident left him unable to work, Joey demonstrates how everyday people can transform their financial futures. He also reveals how banks privately invest billions in the same financial vehicles they publicly discourage customers from using.For Christians, Joey addresses how the church has often poorly framed money conversations, creating either poverty mentalities or prosperity gospel extremes. Instead, he advocates viewing money as a stewardship responsibility that opens doors for greater kingdom impact.Discover your unique "investor DNA" and learn how entrepreneurs can escape the financial matrix by using proven systems to create lasting wealth and freedom. Find resources to accelerate your journey at wealthwithoutwallstreet.com/astheleadergrows.

Picture this: you're standing in an Airbnb shower in Atlanta when a wave of gratitude and clarity washes over you, sparking a mission to foster intentional relationships. This episode uncovers how that epiphany led to building transformative connections with influential leaders like Dr. John Maxwell, Gary Brecka, and Les Brown, while also introducing our Proximity Series in Alpharetta, a new initiative designed to nurture a community driven by faith and entrepreneurship. Inspired by the life of Jesus, we dissect the three spheres of proximity—community, circle, and corner—emphasizing the power of surrounding yourself with the right people to propel both personal and professional growth.Join us as we unearth the profound impact of investing time, talent, and treasure into relationships, recalling pivotal moments and anecdotes that shaped our journey. Discover how aligning with the principle that great leaders give rather than take can lead to remarkable growth in all facets of life. We share how strategic connections, like attending Gary Brecka's talk despite scheduling conflicts, serve as catalysts for progress and opportunity. Tune in for insights on authenticity, the importance of giving credit, and how these lessons have evolved into supportive pathways for faith-fueled entrepreneurs to reach their aspirations.

Unlock the secrets to exponential growth by mastering the art of proximity! Join me, Ken Joselin, as we dive deeper into the transformative power of your "circle"—those 10 to 12 individuals who can elevate your life just like Jesus' disciples did. With CREATE 2025 on the horizon and eminent personalities like Dr. John Maxwell, Gary and Sage Brecka, Nate May, and Pastors Dennis and Colleen Rouse in attendance, this episode emphasizes how surrounding yourself with the right mix of people can significantly enhance your faith, health, relationships, business, and finances.Reflect on who truly fills those pivotal spots in your life, and learn how to balance your network with mentors who inspire and those you can uplift. As faith-based entrepreneurs, identifying your circle is crucial for both personal and professional growth. Whether connecting with peers at an event or enjoying a casual gathering with friends, the energy and insights shared within these circles are invaluable. Grab a notepad and get ready to harness the influence of your inner network to catapult to new heights.

Rebecca Maciera Kaufman, a distinguished leader with an impressive track record at Citigroup and Wells Fargo, shares her incredible journey from childhood entrepreneur to financial sector powerhouse. Discover how Rebecca's early love for business, starting with "Rebecca's Little Shop," evolved into a remarkable career, leading her to become the president of Citibank California and a driving force in a Citigroup subsidiary. Her story is a testament to the power of entrepreneurial spirit within the corporate world, as she now dedicates her expertise to guiding startup and Fortune 50 CEOs through her consulting firm.Rebecca's journey is not just about achieving titles; it's about mastering the art of intrapreneurship. By taking on entrepreneurial roles within big corporations like Wells Fargo Insurance Services, she cultivated a proactive approach that led her to leadership excellence. Rebecca's unique strategies—like personally engaging with team members and setting ambitious goals—highlight how transformative corporate experiences can be when approached with passion and purpose. Her insights on aligning people with roles that fit their strengths echo Jim Collins' philosophy, ensuring that everyone is in the right seat on the bus to success.In an inspiring discussion on personal well-being and leadership resilience, Rebecca unveils the concept of being a "Fit CEO." Her forthcoming book, "Fit CEO: Be the Leader of Your Life," promises to guide readers in balancing physical, mental, energetic, and spiritual fitness. Rebecca shares practical routines that foster not just career success but also personal health and fulfillment. Her philosophy emphasizes the importance of seizing each day with presence and energy, offering invaluable lessons for anyone aspiring to lead with authenticity and vitality.

What if enduring the unimaginable could lead to profound personal growth and authentic connection? Join us as we explore this question through a heartfelt conversation with Brooke Martin, an Emmy award-winning journalist whose life took a transformative turn after her unborn daughter, Emma Noel, was diagnosed with a terminal condition. Brooke shares how her faith and the powerful word "Emmanuel" guided her decision to carry Emma to term, reshaping her path from news anchor to author and speaker. Her journey, chronicled in her new book "Control Burn," offers insights into leadership, personal growth, and embracing life's uncertainties with courage and grace.Together, we unpack the raw and transformative power of vulnerability. As Brooke and I discuss the metaphor of fire, we reflect on how life's challenges can either consume us or transform us, much like a wildfire versus a controlled burn. By sharing her story with raw honesty, Brooke demonstrates how authenticity can foster profound growth and connection. We also delve into personal stories of loss, such as the heart-wrenching experience of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, and the spiritual solace that can be found amidst grief. Through these narratives, we uncover the deeper redemption and gratitude that can emerge from adversity.Finally, we explore the powerful intersection of faith and redemption. Hear about the spiritual visions that offer a vivid connection to the afterlife and the assurance of reuniting with loved ones, and how these experiences can lead to a more surrendered faith. With reflections from the biblical insights of Paul's message in Philippians, we discuss how pain and suffering can foster a deeper intimacy with faith, helping us find peace and purpose. Join us in this moving episode, as we seek to understand how life's fires can illuminate growth and connection, and how community and faith can provide strength in our struggles.

When a successful entrepreneur is brought to his knees by amnesia, the journey back to oneself can offer profound lessons. Clint Riggin joins us to share his compelling transformation from thriving in the health and fitness industry to confronting a personal crisis that reshaped his entire outlook on life. Hear how his struggles with depression and identity led him to embrace faith and pursue a path in theology, dedicating his life to guiding others towards spiritual fulfillment. Clint’s story of redemption underscores the impact of faith in overcoming personal challenges and redefining success beyond material wealth.Authenticity in faith can resonate deeply, as illustrated by a touching moment with my daughter, who saw a consistent character in both my roles as a father and a pastor. Reflecting on my own journey from the Navy to a profound spiritual awakening, I discuss the transformative power of embracing faith and the Holy Spirit’s role in shaping our destinies. This episode highlights how a genuine heart and steadfast belief can lead to a life that mirrors the teachings of Jesus, fundamentally impacting both public and private spheres.Amid seminary studies and personal aspirations like obtaining a pilot’s license, I explore the joy found in committing to a life of service. Discover the inspiring initiatives, such as a prayer line inspired by Billy Graham and a virtual reality project bringing the Bible to life in new ways. These endeavors reflect our gratitude for the daily privilege of contributing to the divine purpose of building God’s kingdom. Join us for an episode filled with stories of faith, transformation, and the marvelous grace that guides us every day.

Discover how kindness can revolutionize leadership in our latest episode featuring Gui Costin, the visionary founder and CEO of Dakota. Gui shares his impactful journey of establishing a thriving sales organization within the fiercely competitive investment sector. Since its inception in 2006, Dakota has flourished, amassing a powerful network of institutional investors and facilitating over $40 billion in capital. Gui opens up about the transformative power of fostering a positive company culture, where kindness and respect are not just traits but essential components of success. He emphasizes the critical role of clear communication and professionalism in nurturing a dedicated, high-performing team, even in traditionally cutthroat industries.As the conversation unfolds, we delve into the nuanced interplay of self-awareness and compassion in effective leadership. Gui shares personal anecdotes and pays tribute to mentors like Alan Breed, revealing how learning from others and embracing empathy can profoundly shape a leader's journey. Explore how health journeys and meaningful relationships contribute to holistic leadership and personal growth. By focusing on impactful actions and serving others first, financial success follows naturally, a philosophy that resonates in Dakota's culture. We wrap up on a high note, hinting at Guy's upcoming book "Be Kind," which promises to further illuminate the enduring power of empathy and support in business leadership.