JOHN MURPHY - AUTHOR, CEO AND FOUNDER, VENTURE MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS
Favorite place to travel to in the world? Ireland, the heritage, culture and great memories
A person you want to meet? Oprah
A person you wanted to meet? Jesus
How does your work fulfill you, your purpose in life? It's my calling… to teach… to lead… to inspire others… to demonstrate inner peace and flow...to help make the world a better place
What are you watching? TED talks; videos on health and well-being
What do you do to really relax? Meditate, walk on the beach, swim in the ocean
When are you most in flow? Meditating, writing, contemplating, teaching, interacting with others
Do you meditate or practice mindfulness? Everyday
Who taught you how to hustle? My parents, older brother and coaches
Do you exercise? I exercise everyday, alternating between weight-lifting, swimming, biking and walking. I also ski, snowboard, paddleboard and occasionally surf.
What communities inspire you? Businesses seeking innovation and transformation; LinkedIn leadership groups
Are you more Hustle or more Zen? Zen
What would you do if you did not do this business? Start a new one
How do you define work/life balance, and how important do you think it is? Very important! I practice it every day. I start with meditation, followed by very healthy foods and supplements, followed by key priorities and goals for the day, followed by exercise, followed by social interaction.
Are you married? With kids? How has this affected your balance? I am married for the second time, now 3 years. My first marriage was 26 years. I have four grown children - through college and working - and one step-daughter, also working. Being married with children has added to my work-life balance by reminding me about the importance of relationships, love, attention, awareness, support, forgiveness and exploration. It has helped me keep my priorities straight. In fact, I started my own business in 1988 so that I could have more time with my wife and young children at the time.
What is some advice you would give to entrepreneurs/hustlers that seem out of balance? Get your priorities straight. Define what you really want. Be specific. Consider time management, moments of bliss, true passion, flow, key relationships, top priorities, health and well-being and unique gifts/skills you have to offer to make the world a better place.
What advice would you tell your younger overworked self? See previous answer and then I do it!
What is one issue you are out to change in the world? I am out to help millions of people “wake up” to a new life experience of joy, forgiveness, inner peace and flow. I am helping people transcend the “ego thought-system” to a new awareness of life - personally and professionally. I help people transcend fear and guilt and worry and stress by identifying the root cause (ego) and detaching from it.
Your last 2¢? I wrote Zentrepreneur: Get Out of the Way and Leadspecifically to help people integrate the peace, harmony and balance of Zen with the practical application of entrepreneurship. The idea is to help people turn “good thinking and ideas” into great results. So often we get in our own way - making excuses as to why certain things can’t be done. This book helps people shift from a mindset of fear and doubt to a passion of inspiration and expression.