Take on life's court in this powerful conversation with Stephen Minix. The former educator and high school basketball coach leverages his skills in social work to foster collaboration and overcome obstacles to lift up lives. In this episode, Stephen discusses his journey from the Los Angeles public school system to his current role as Vice President of Community with UpMetrics where he fights for social change. After years of unbridled success, this grant-winning pro and optimist extraordinaire has a thing or two to say about taking on life's work. See more at: MarkSpencerCook.com/Podcast/.

Optimize your life with Stephen's fantastic advice...

"Connection over perfection..."

"Believe in the possible..."

"Perpetual positivity pays off..."

Questions Explored in this Discussion:

• How to overcome tragedy?

• How to write grants?

• How to find control in your life?

• How to find partners?

• When to start over?

Lessons Learned:

• Asset-map your life

• Learn about people you admire

• Do what you want

• Always stay positive

• Reflect in times of failure

• Become your own coach

• "Date" your business partners

• Create a steady team

Stephen's Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenminix/

https://upmetrics.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/upmetrics/

Links for Mark S. Cook: MarkSpencerCook.com | WindfallPartners.com

LinkedIn for Mark S. Cook: LinkedIn.com/in/@MarkSpencerCook

Other Social Media: @MarkSpencerCook

0:00 Introduction

1:14 Origins

8:58 Pain to Progress

13:42 The Power of Optimism

20:00 Education

28:50 Coaching

35:15 New Beginnings

45:00 Rest & Recovery

49:34 Perpetual Positivity Pays off

52:58 Asset-Map Your Life

57:39 Do What you Want

Keywords:

Teaching, Coaching, Social Work, Grants, Optimism, Recovery, Fatherhood, Collaboration, Partners, Mentors, Education, Philanthropy, Non-Profit