Overcoming Adversity, Embracing Growth, and Leading with Purpose

June 18, 2024 by
Overcoming Adversity, Embracing Growth, and Leading with Purpose
Josh Dittrich

Podcast 28

In this episode of Successfully Unsuccessful, I had the pleasure of sitting down with my good friend Matt Eklund. Matt’s journey is nothing short of inspiring, from his early days in construction to becoming a project manager overseeing massive developments. But what truly stands out is his personal transformation over the past six years. Matt shared the pivotal moment when he decided to attend church with his family, leading to a profound change in his life. He opens up about the struggles, the dark moments, and how his faith has guided him through it all.

We dive deep into Matt’s story, discussing his challenging upbringing and the significant events that shaped him. From losing his brother at a young age to battling substance abuse, Matt’s honesty about his past is both raw and enlightening. He talked about the turning point when he decided to fully surrender to God, leading to incredible personal growth and healing. His vulnerability in sharing these experiences underscores the importance of addressing our past traumas to move forward in life.

Throughout our conversation, Matt emphasizes the power of community and the role of faith in overcoming adversity. He discusses the impact of his relationship with his wife and children, highlighting the importance of transparency and continual growth. Matt’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of faith. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking for inspiration and proof that redemption and change are always within reach.

When I sat down with Matt, I knew we were in for a meaningful conversation, but I didn’t anticipate just how impactful his story would be. As business owners and executives, we often focus on strategies, growth, and leadership from a professional standpoint, but we sometimes overlook the personal journeys that shape who we are as leaders. Matt’s story is a powerful reminder that our personal growth and spiritual journey can have a profound impact on our professional lives.

Matt’s transparency about his struggles with substance abuse and the loss of his brother at a young age is incredibly moving. These experiences could have easily derailed his life, but instead, they became catalysts for his transformation. His decision to fully surrender to God marked a turning point, leading to a profound personal and spiritual growth. This surrender wasn’t an easy process, but it was a necessary one, allowing Matt to address his past traumas and move forward with a renewed sense of purpose.

One of the most inspiring aspects of Matt’s journey is his emphasis on the power of community and faith. He highlights how crucial it is to surround ourselves with a supportive network, whether it’s family, friends, or a faith-based community. His relationship with his wife and children flourished as he embraced transparency and continual growth. Matt’s story is a testament to the fact that, no matter how successful we are in business, our personal and spiritual growth is equally important. It’s a reminder that true leadership comes from within, and that our faith can be a guiding force through the darkest of times.

I encourage you all to listen to this episode and reflect on your own journeys. Consider how your personal experiences and faith have shaped your leadership style. Matt’s story is proof that redemption and change are always possible, and that embracing vulnerability and faith can lead to profound transformation in both our personal and professional lives.