Wow - I am honored that you took a plunge. It looks like it was a worthwhile adventure for you. We really are a mosaic of what and who we encounter along the way.
Hi Tobin, I took your challenge literally, put on my thinking-cap and sat down for a session with ChatGPT. I LOVE how it comes together. TY for prompting us to take a moment to reflect on the shaping influences in our lives.
Pardon the lengthy reply, but I wanted to share in response.
Here's what I came up with...
Here’s the revised draft, reshaping the order to reflect the timeline of when you discovered each influencer, while maintaining Tobin’s style and structure:
Shaping: The People Who Shaped My Thinking
I believe our lives are sculpted by the people who challenge us, inspire us, and provide frameworks for seeing the world in new ways. For me, the journey began with J. Robert Clinton and has evolved through voices like Neil Howe, Louise Hay, Simon Sinek, Carol Dweck, and now Rishad Tobaccowala, who shapes my current thinking.
These individuals span leadership development, generational theory, self-healing, purpose-driven action, and innovative reinvention. Together, their influence has provided the foundation and the tools to guide my adult growth.
J. Robert Clinton: The Base for Adult Growth
In my late 20s, J. Robert Clinton’s work on leadership emergence became the bedrock of my growth. His principle-based teaching highlighted that adults learn differently than children, a concept that reshaped how I approached life. Clinton’s relational leadership style showed me that growth happens in the context of relationships, and his emphasis on learning vicariously opened my awareness to the wisdom of others, including Neil Howe. (BTW, Clinton is the only shaper here that I've known personally.)
🔍 Defining Lesson: Leadership is a relational journey, and we grow not only through our own experiences but also by learning from others.
Neil Howe: Generational Patterns and Cycles
Neil Howe’s (and William Strauss) 1991 book, "GENERATIONS," entered my life at a pivotal time, helping me see the world through the lens of generational cycles. His work taught me that history moves in patterns and that each generation plays a unique role in shaping its era. Understanding these rhythms helped me make sense of my place in the world and sparked my lifelong curiosity about generational dynamics.
🔍 Defining Lesson: We are all part of a larger story—shaped by history, yet also shaping what comes next.
Louise Hay: Healing Through Self-Love
Louise Hay offered me a new way of seeing myself through the lens of self-healing and self-compassion. Her work on the mind-body connection challenged me to change the internal narratives that no longer served me. Her affirmations became tools for transformation, reminding me that healing begins with how I treat myself.
🔍 Defining Lesson: True change starts within. Self-love isn’t indulgent; it’s the foundation of wholeness.
Simon Sinek: Purpose, Connection, and the Infinite Game
Simon Sinek’s ideas on purpose and leadership expanded the relational framework I first learned from J. Robert Clinton. His Infinite Game challenged me to see life as an ongoing process of growth and contribution, rather than a series of finite achievements. His focus on purpose and connection resonates with my desire to build bridges—whether between people, ideas, or generations.
🔍 Defining Lesson: Lead with purpose, play the long game, and prioritize relationships over results.
Carol Dweck: Embracing the Growth Mindset
Carol Dweck’s research on the growth mindset solidified my belief in lifelong learning. Her work reframed challenges as opportunities, teaching me that growth happens through effort, persistence, and curiosity. Dweck’s ideas are a gift I continue to unpack, especially as I engage with younger generations who embody this mindset.
🔍 Defining Lesson: Our potential is not fixed. Growth is a lifelong process of leaning into challenges.
Rishad Tobaccowala: Shaping the Present Moment
In the last six months, Rishad Tobaccowala has brought a fresh perspective to my journey, particularly at the intersection of humanity and innovation. His ability to synthesize complex ideas inspires me to navigate change with clarity, courage, and compassion. Rishad challenges me to see the power of reinvention and to embrace the opportunities of the present moment.
🔍 Defining Lesson: The most meaningful growth happens where humanity meets innovation.
A Living Narrative
Each of these shapers has added a unique thread to the tapestry of my life—J. Robert Clinton’s principles, Neil Howe’s patterns, Louise Hay’s healing, Simon Sinek’s purpose, Carol Dweck’s growth, and Rishad Tobaccowala’s innovation. Together, they guide me as I continue to evolve, reflect, and connect.
As I weave their wisdom into my work and life, I ask myself:
How can I be a shaper for others?
What lessons will I pass on to inspire growth in those around me?
"an unwavering commitment to creativity, a willingness to challenge norms, and a unique ability to connect ideas across domains. In reflection, these nuggets of wisdom and perspective have become the mosaic of me."
I'll need to do some thinking on this one... appreciate the inspiring approach!
Wow - I am honored that you took a plunge. It looks like it was a worthwhile adventure for you. We really are a mosaic of what and who we encounter along the way.
Hi Tobin, I took your challenge literally, put on my thinking-cap and sat down for a session with ChatGPT. I LOVE how it comes together. TY for prompting us to take a moment to reflect on the shaping influences in our lives.
Pardon the lengthy reply, but I wanted to share in response.
Here's what I came up with...
Here’s the revised draft, reshaping the order to reflect the timeline of when you discovered each influencer, while maintaining Tobin’s style and structure:
Shaping: The People Who Shaped My Thinking
I believe our lives are sculpted by the people who challenge us, inspire us, and provide frameworks for seeing the world in new ways. For me, the journey began with J. Robert Clinton and has evolved through voices like Neil Howe, Louise Hay, Simon Sinek, Carol Dweck, and now Rishad Tobaccowala, who shapes my current thinking.
These individuals span leadership development, generational theory, self-healing, purpose-driven action, and innovative reinvention. Together, their influence has provided the foundation and the tools to guide my adult growth.
J. Robert Clinton: The Base for Adult Growth
In my late 20s, J. Robert Clinton’s work on leadership emergence became the bedrock of my growth. His principle-based teaching highlighted that adults learn differently than children, a concept that reshaped how I approached life. Clinton’s relational leadership style showed me that growth happens in the context of relationships, and his emphasis on learning vicariously opened my awareness to the wisdom of others, including Neil Howe. (BTW, Clinton is the only shaper here that I've known personally.)
🔍 Defining Lesson: Leadership is a relational journey, and we grow not only through our own experiences but also by learning from others.
Neil Howe: Generational Patterns and Cycles
Neil Howe’s (and William Strauss) 1991 book, "GENERATIONS," entered my life at a pivotal time, helping me see the world through the lens of generational cycles. His work taught me that history moves in patterns and that each generation plays a unique role in shaping its era. Understanding these rhythms helped me make sense of my place in the world and sparked my lifelong curiosity about generational dynamics.
🔍 Defining Lesson: We are all part of a larger story—shaped by history, yet also shaping what comes next.
Louise Hay: Healing Through Self-Love
Louise Hay offered me a new way of seeing myself through the lens of self-healing and self-compassion. Her work on the mind-body connection challenged me to change the internal narratives that no longer served me. Her affirmations became tools for transformation, reminding me that healing begins with how I treat myself.
🔍 Defining Lesson: True change starts within. Self-love isn’t indulgent; it’s the foundation of wholeness.
Simon Sinek: Purpose, Connection, and the Infinite Game
Simon Sinek’s ideas on purpose and leadership expanded the relational framework I first learned from J. Robert Clinton. His Infinite Game challenged me to see life as an ongoing process of growth and contribution, rather than a series of finite achievements. His focus on purpose and connection resonates with my desire to build bridges—whether between people, ideas, or generations.
🔍 Defining Lesson: Lead with purpose, play the long game, and prioritize relationships over results.
Carol Dweck: Embracing the Growth Mindset
Carol Dweck’s research on the growth mindset solidified my belief in lifelong learning. Her work reframed challenges as opportunities, teaching me that growth happens through effort, persistence, and curiosity. Dweck’s ideas are a gift I continue to unpack, especially as I engage with younger generations who embody this mindset.
🔍 Defining Lesson: Our potential is not fixed. Growth is a lifelong process of leaning into challenges.
Rishad Tobaccowala: Shaping the Present Moment
In the last six months, Rishad Tobaccowala has brought a fresh perspective to my journey, particularly at the intersection of humanity and innovation. His ability to synthesize complex ideas inspires me to navigate change with clarity, courage, and compassion. Rishad challenges me to see the power of reinvention and to embrace the opportunities of the present moment.
🔍 Defining Lesson: The most meaningful growth happens where humanity meets innovation.
A Living Narrative
Each of these shapers has added a unique thread to the tapestry of my life—J. Robert Clinton’s principles, Neil Howe’s patterns, Louise Hay’s healing, Simon Sinek’s purpose, Carol Dweck’s growth, and Rishad Tobaccowala’s innovation. Together, they guide me as I continue to evolve, reflect, and connect.
As I weave their wisdom into my work and life, I ask myself:
How can I be a shaper for others?
What lessons will I pass on to inspire growth in those around me?
Thanks for blog - There are so many great thinkers, but it's hard to pick. Off the top of my head:
1. Ralph Waldo Emerson
2. Jane Roberts (Author of Seth Material)
3. Rick Rubin
I'll change my mind in the next three minutes I'm sure...
beautifully articulated, Tobin!
"an unwavering commitment to creativity, a willingness to challenge norms, and a unique ability to connect ideas across domains. In reflection, these nuggets of wisdom and perspective have become the mosaic of me."
I'll need to do some thinking on this one... appreciate the inspiring approach!
I like hearing, "I need to do some thinking"...for that is my ambition with my writing.
Well, looks like you are succeeding!