Steven Izen: Gratitude at Our Highest and Lowest

Even though he ran the sprint as a member of the track team at Cornell, Chris Schembra’s guest on this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times looks at life as a marathon. Steven Izen, the hugely successful entrepreneur behind Lokai bracelets with meaning and plant-powered Elements Drinks, shares insights into how he has taken a personal obstacle (dyslexia) and leveraged it as a superpower and why giving his team time off on Fridays is good for both individual and corporate health. This far-ranging conversation takes a look at humility, balance and the importance of connection (especially in our often disconnected and remote post-pandemic world). You’ll enjoy learning about the alone-but-not-lonely practices that nourish Steven professional and personally as well as the power he has found in releasing attachment and emotional reaction to outcomes. He and Chris wrap up with a call to action: Energy is paramount! So remember always ton promote positivity and self-care for yourself and those around you. “If you are finding balance in the things that fill your bucket outside of work, in life,” says Steven, “you will be the best version of yourself.” If you’d like to learn more about Chris and his 7:47 Virtual Gratitude Experience, please visit this link. And clickhereto listen to previous episodes of Gratitude Through Hard Times. KEY TOPICS:If you could give credit or thanks to one person in your life that you don’t give enough credit or thanks to who would that be? Easy! That would be Mom, whom Steven thanks privately all the time, but never in professional contexts.Modeling Humility: Steven’s mother has always walked the walk by making other people’s needs a priority.A spirit of adventure and nod to the highs and lows inherent in life has infused Steven’s entrepreneurism since its inception as a tribute to a treasured grandfather’s diagnosis with Alzheimer’s – “the lowest low” he’d ever experienced.About building out www.lokai.comover the past decade, what fuels Steven’s bracelets with meaning and the ventures he has added to his portfolio.No Time for Doubters: Steven has been fortunate to have – and cultivate – a circle of supporters who appreciate his tenacity and work ethic.Steven and Chris share workarounds that have helped them manage (with great results) their respective dyslexia and ADHD.Obstacles as Advantages: How so-called weaknesses strengthen alternative muscles.From Mt. Everest to the Dead Sea: About blending the hopeful and humble; competitiveness and long-term averages.About recalibrating our understanding of balance. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and best fortified against burnout by incorporating all facets of personal health and well-being.Steven provides perspective on quick-hit entrepreneurism and the truth of what it takes to succeed in the long run – pursuing the journey, not the destination.Balance Fridays: Steven’s innovative (and humane) effort to provide team members time once a week to care for themselves physically, emotionally and practically.As a board member for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Steven has had an opportunity to observe seasoned executives who are exemplars of work-life balance as well as purpose-driven values, priorities and decision-making.How to Get Out of Your Own Way: Neutralize emotion and attachment to outcomes!Human Connection is a central priority for Lokai, which is remote and thus requires an intentional commitment to team-building interactions.About the loneliness epidemic – chronic disconnection in a post-pandemic culture.Steven combats loneliness by embracing quality time communing wi