Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Roderick M. Mason, an Empowerment Speaker, Executive Coach, Leadership Consultant, and D.I.S.C. Consultant. He is also a Certified Primal Health Coach and former personal trainer.
Please tell us something about yourself.
I currently reside in Chicago. Lived here all my life except when I went away to college in Louisiana, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. I am married with a sixteen-year-old son. I have always wanted my own business.
How did you get into what you do right now? Please tell us more about your journey.
I took a LONG route in getting to where I am now. I had several retail jobs. I owned a high-end stereo store with a partner (Loved the store). The partner and I parted ways because we didn’t share the same vision, and he thought selling a pair of 30k speakers should be a daily occurrence.
I had my own personal training studio that was going phenomenally until I suffered a ruptured appendix. As I was mending up, my aunt (my mom’s twin sister suffered a stroke, a month later, my dad went into the hospital and passed away.
I started a commercial cleaning business on a suggestion from my wife. I hated it. I found meaning in hiring special needs adults and seniors who needed to supplement their income.
Who are your role models?
I don’t have a specific role model. I love learning so, I read a lot, I listen to a lot of podcasts. If it’s positive and has a message, I know I can glean something from it. My favorite podcasters are Ed Mylett, Brendon Burchard, and Lewis Howes.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by learning new things and helping people realize their purpose. With my cleaning business, I had employees that I could tell wanted more. These were usually the best employees. I would talk to them about their goals and dreams. One wanted his own catering company we talked about how to start small, I bought meals from him. I had set up a Facebook page for him, and the rest was history. He tried to work for me until I told him he had to go, his company came first, not mine.
Please tell us about your company.
The name of my company is Holistic Coaching Solutions. I formed the company in 2017, and I have been working to acquire additional certifications and licenses to better equip me to be the most comprehensive corporate trainer I can be and possibly the most comprehensive in Chicago (maybe the country). The focus is on happy/healthy employees. They are more productive, they call in less, it cost less to insure healthy employees, happy employees are more engaged with their work.
What’s your most memorable experience?
My most memorable experience was secretly planning a trip to Disney World for my family. My wife knew we were going. She just had no idea where we were staying or doing day to day. We left the day before my son’d 4th Bday. He had NO IDEA we were going until I woke him up with a packed Buzz Lightyear suitcase to leave for the airport at 4am. I surprised him with a Buzz Lightyear Cake and party in our room on his Bday.
Which social media channels work best for promoting your work? What exactly do you do on the social media channel that makes it work for you?
LinkedIn. I try to connect with decision-makers and C level executives. I post articles videos and content on Leadership and Positive Mindset.
What’s your greatest fear?
I don’t want to reach the end of my life only to realize I never really lived.
Looking back, what’s one thing you wish you understood better before you ever got started?
The only mistake you make is the one you don’t learn from. Take huge scary chances. Your imagination will come up with something far scarier than reality ever could.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
Most often, a mistake that isn’t DIRECTLY life-threatening won’t kill you. Too many people fear success, I fear regret. Find a like-minded tribe, surround yourself with positive people.
What keeps you going when things get tough?
My relationship with God.
Any message for our readers.
Live a purposely fulfilled life, live with intention, you don’t want to come to the end of life wishing you had done more.
How can people connect with you?
you can drop an email at rodmason@holisticcoachingsolutions.com. You can also check out Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.