As the clock struck midnight, signaling the beginning of 2020, Randy Wilburn hit the “record” button for the first episode of the year for his groundbreaking podcast, “Encourage Build Grow.” Known for its interview-based format focused on design professionals and leadership, this episode broke tradition with a special monologue by Randy himself.
Reflecting on the Holidays
Before diving back into the traditional interview format in subsequent episodes, Randy took the time to muse over the holiday season. He shared the joys and challenges of having his kids out of school for three weeks, commenting on how the break provided both quality family time and a hectic schedule.
Excitement for the New Year and New Opportunities
With the holiday reflections behind him, Randy looked ahead with optimism. The dawn of 2020 brought along a refreshing excitement for new opportunities, both for the podcast and for his listeners. The palpable enthusiasm in Randy’s voice was hard to ignore, as he set the stage for what to expect in the episodes to come.
Recap of 2019
In the previous year, “Encourage Build Grow” had rolled out 18 thoughtful episodes, each touching on themes imperative to design professionals and leadership. In his recap, Randy expressed his heartfelt appreciation for his listeners, without whom the podcast would not have attained its impressive reach and impact.
Goals for 2020
Randy then laid out the road map for the podcast in 2020. The focus, he said, would be on leadership and communication, diving deeper into how to lead in an ever-evolving professional landscape. Additionally, the year would also witness episodes centered on personal life hacks and self-improvement, offering listeners not just career advice but also life skills.
As a part of this roadmap, Randy issued a powerful call to action—encouraging everyone to live their best life. This encouragement wasn’t just empty words; it was a philosophy that Randy planned to weave into each episode of the coming year.
Book Recommendations
Ever the avid reader, Randy didn’t miss the chance to recommend books that had a profound impact on him. “Things No One Else Can Teach Us” by Humble the Poet came highly recommended for its life lessons. For those looking to merge leadership with athletic prowess, “LeBron Inc.: The Making of a Billion-Dollar Athlete” by Brian Windhorst was another top pick.
The Importance of Relationships
Randy expounded on the significance of relationships, drawing insights from LeBron James’ book. The message was clear: building and developing relationships is a cornerstone of leadership. He even nudged his listeners to reconnect with their forgotten network, illustrating that sometimes opportunities lie where we least expect them.
Conclusion
As Randy wrapped up this special episode, he assured his listeners that the traditional interview format would return in the next episode. Once again, he expressed his appreciation for his ever-growing listener base, emphasizing that their continued support was the fuel that kept “Encourage Build Grow” running.
With a promise of more enriching content, Randy signed off, leaving his audience not just informed, but also inspired, motivated, and eager to take on the challenges and opportunities that 2020 would undoubtedly bring.
