Jason Karp, PhD, MBA’s Post

This is the face of 22-year-old me. I had just graduated from university and was preparing to enter the real world with my first adult job at Enterprise Rent-A-Car. I keep thinking about how far I've come since this picture was taken in May 2007 in Fort Lauderdale. This kid, you see, wanted to know what freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment felt like. I never wanted to fall into the routine of just working. If I tasted freedom before working, I would yearn for that forever. So, I took a vacation to Fort Lauderdale to enjoy life before I started my new job. I've been reflecting a lot on my career and life journey lately. A lot has been accomplished, with some key lessons learned (some the hard way), different stops along the path, people in and out of my life, and I gained a few pounds, too. I had all these ideas for what my life would be like beaming with wide-eyed optimism about the future. One thing that never faltered is the belief that it would all work out, not because of luck, but because I would make my own luck. It hasn't exactly all gone to plan. I haven't always won in everything I've done, but I still feel the same way all these years later - optimistic. This year has been trying, but I must remind myself that we can't rely on luck. We must make our own luck in life and business. It will take work, but it's about working smarter, not harder ... always. I will continue to level up and achieve the 3 most important F words: freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment. Go all in!

What would you do if you could go back and change the trajectory of your life? Many of us have been at the crossroads of a big decision and taken a certain road, then wondered what might've happened if we chose the other path. I think about this at times because I have had many major decision points in my life that changed the trajectory of it forever: ⚾ I chose to pursue softball over ski racing at age 10 👩🎓 I chose to go to Westminster School over Suffield Academy at age 13 🏫 I chose to go to Cornell University over UConn at age 16 🛑 I chose to quit softball instead of continuing to play for Cornell at age 19 👩💻 I chose to work for Cadent Consulting Group instead of Cintas at age 21 🎵 I chose to move to Austin, TX instead of stay in CT at age 25 🚘 I chose to sell my things and travel instead of stay in Austin at age 28 🌲 I chose to move to Seattle, WA instead of Denver, CO at age 29 ☀ I chose to move to San Diego, CA instead of stay in Seattle at age 30 🗺 I chose to travel the world instead of stay in San Diego at age 30 These decisions cascaded upon the next and influenced many experiences in my life, and I only listed 10 when I know there are so many more. I do like to imagine what would've happened if I went to UConn, or if I chose my other job offer out of college, or maybe moved to Denver... But ultimately, I know I am exactly where I want to be and made each difficult decision purposefully with strong intention and am happy with my choices. If you find yourself constantly looking back and regretting a choice or multiple choices... 1️⃣ Think about why that is and where it seems to have led you now that you're unhappy with 2️⃣ Think about what steps you can take today to not dwell on the past anymore but change your future to feel more fulfilled 3️⃣ Set your new intention and goals to bring more value to your present day life and make your future as bright as possible We don't have access to time machines and can't enter the multiverse (unless someone knows something I don't!), but we can take action to improve our life moving forward one day at a time. Everyone deserves to feel fulfilled in their life, how are you going to make sure you feel that way about yours?

In 2014, I'd returned home to St. Louis after playing (American) football in Europe. I had no idea what was next in my career or my life. It was a hard time. My cousin Chris Regas suggested I try interviewing some successful people to learn from them. It was a good idea. So I started having conversations with family members and close friends about their journeys and what they'd learned along the way. I compiled the main themes from all of those interviews and wrote them down. They came together as 11 principles: 1. Think outside the box. If the front door is closed, go through the backdoor. If the backdoor is closed, find a way through the window. If the window is closed, go through the chimney... 2. Treat everyone equally, from the cleaning crew to the CEO. 3. Trust no one until the deal is done. 4. Don't be afraid of anyone. People are going to look bigger, smarter, and richer. That doesn’t mean anything. 5. Stay on course with your goals. Don't let any BS get in the way. 6. If a question is asked and you don’t know, say “I don’t know, but let me find out”. Then find out. Stay all over it. Stay persistent and consistent. 7. Always be willing to learn. Constantly re-evaluate. 8. Have the mentality to be successful or die trying. 9. The only stupid question is the one you don't ask. 10. Wise people speak because they have something to say. Fools speak because they have to say something.   11. You're never home free. Continue to work and think. I've been lucky to have so many great mentors in my life, including both of my grandpas, my dad and older brothers. These principles—and the amazing people I associate them with—still guide my actions every day.  If any of them resonate with you, I'm interested to hear why.

Back at the end of 2005 I packed my life up in Wisconsin and moved to Florida with no job as I wanted something different in my life and never looked back. This brought me out of my shell of a life that I was leading at the time. Focusing on being a person that should not fear life and what it has in store for me. Fast forward, less than two years (2007) later I meet my future wife while at Disney and she convinces me to move to Alabama. (Love you Lindsey 🙏) She says not to worry her father owns a business just work for him. My father in law taught me everything I need to know to be successful in that space. (Forever grateful Keith 🙏) Mid 2015, the business is sold, later that year things are not going the way we all envisioned and an opportunity (thank you Rich 🙏) is put in front of me that allows me to take another risk. This is something different outside of my comfort zone as it builds me to be a better person. (thank you JP 🙏) Late 2021, life says I need to take another risk and switch industries even though my wife is 8 months pregnant. (thank you Ashley & Tyler 🙏). Now this opportunity has made me look deeper at myself. This has challenged me to new levels and overall making me appreciate life and everything that it has to offer. What’s next? Who knows what risks will be put in front of me. But I am not worried and afraid of the challenge. #mindset #success #positivity #growth #risk #takeachance

While celebrating Father’s Day this past weekend, the question popped into my mind of ‘What type of legacy do I want to leave for my son?’ I think it is an important question for all of us parents to reflect on. However, in our busy lives, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Here is the legacy I want my son to know about his dad as it pertains to my career: 1) I stayed true to my values & priorities I have 5 main pillars for my values that I call the F5s: Faith, Family, Fitness, Finances, and Friends.  These pillars shape everything I do, from my career decisions to personal growth. 2) No matter the role or work, I gave it my all This is a gentle reminder for me of the work I want to provide: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” Colossians 3:23-24 3) I choose Courage over Comfort All the magic happens outside of our comfort zone. Whether that be starting a new project at work, starting a new campaign, or acquiring another multifamily building all the magic happens outside the comfort zone. Stay tuned as I share insights on: - Identifying a vision and sticking to it - Balancing a fulfilling career with a busy personal life - Becoming an asset in your company and acquiring cash flow-producing assets like real estate Whether you are a parent or not, do yourself a favor and think about the legacy you want to leave.

Ever had one of those weeks where life hits you hard? Life is all about the little things. Take chances. If you fail, who cares? 🤷🏽♂️No one but you. Don’t hold grudges. At the end of the day, no one will remember. On our way to California for a graduation, I get a call. Childhood friend just lost his aunt, sister, and mother. All in one week. All unrelated. You never know what life has in store. Make the best of every day. When I left my W2 career, it was a leap of faith. Why? To be closer to my family. To have more family time. It wasn't easy. But it was worth it. Corporate life can be all-consuming. But what’s the point if you’re not truly living? Did you know? 90% of executives report high stress levels. Is that the life you want? What’s one small thing you do daily to make life better?🤔 Reflect on what really matters. Reach out to an old friend today. Take a moment to breathe and appreciate life. #lifeisprecious #executivestress #livefully

Stepping into 26th year of my professional career . This is the first year of my career, I have no pressure to compete with anyone but with self'. Only person to compete and better is my own "self". & What it means is a "No Regret Life" and I summarized in few points below. 1. No urge to beat anyone to prove that you are great. 2. No urge to use your power and position to make your subordinates and peers feel insecure 3. No to Corporate Politics 4. No to artificial Image makeover. Being your real self is a blessing 5. Confidence to say " What you believe " and Say no to all that "Yes" you were forced to say & digest in the past 2 decades. 6. Confidence to step down if there is a need for someone to take your pedestal. 7. Putting your employees interest first before your self interest and Incentives 8. No pressure for growth, awards and rewards. I don't chase those rabbits anymore. 9. Spending quality time with your family and friends. 10. No fear of losing my job , if it's for the right reason then let it go gracefully. 11.Developed a skill which ensures that I & family will never runout of our food and essentials in life. More importantly feeling blessed and grateful for this wonderful journey and all the peers, mentors, critics who made me what I am today. Cheers DC*

As I reflect on my career 12 years in, I’ve learned many valuable lessons along the way. I’d like to share just a few of those lessons: 1. Treat people as they are: people. People are more than a number. They have a family, a livelihood, something to work for. Most importantly, it’s just the right thing to do. The world is a better place when everyone is looking out for each other. 2. Sometimes things aren’t going to go your way. That’s OK. Sometimes things don’t work out the way you envisioned them. It’s how you respond in these moments that can truly define who you are. 3. Not everyone is going to celebrate your journey. While you may have made many triumphs in your life and career, everyone has their own path and challenges they have faced. Use your experiences to drive you forward. 4. A chip on your shoulder can be a good and bad thing. It can often drive you to want success, but can also blind you to how it affects the people around you. Never look to gain at someone else’s expense. 5. Finally: work ethic can take you further than skill and education. Work to be the best you can be. Jimmy Iovine once said, “I used to think I had to work harder than the next guy just to do as well as the next guy.” This quote has stuck with me throughout my entire career. Reliability and work ethic is something that cannot be taught, but it is definitely contagious. If you work hard, you can truly accomplish anything. What are some of your favorite pieces of advice/lessons learned that you’d like to pass along?

I never wanted to climb the corporate ladder. Titles? Honestly, I could care less… My goal was never to make any lists… “fastest growing...”, “best of…”, “Forbes fastest…”, or to earn the trips or accolades. These are all by-products - never a goal. My goal has always been to be excellent in whatever I do… Because someone is paying me to do a job and I want them to get 100+% ROI on me. To be the person you could count on while making the most money possible… Money to take care of my family, to pursue my passions and to have resources to help others. But, in most environments, the scales work on opposite pendulums… More responsibility, bigger title, more money = less time, less control, less options. My goal now - to be a full time dad - when I’m young - not when I "retire". Yep - buy a converted sprinter van, travel, SUP, Mountain bike, golf, go to spas with my wife, ski for weeks at a time, live on the North Shore of Hawaii for extended periods, be on staff at my church with no salary, follow the F1 season - maybe chase the World Surf League… It takes more than money - it takes time! My mission - to build a tribe of other dads who want the same thing - and do it together. I’m not there yet - but it is in sight. In the meantime, I’m still chasing excellence, still ensuring I return 100%+ ROI… Many of us have been so busy making a living, we forgot to make a life. Kids grow up quickly. Life goes fast. We only get one shot to get it right. Sound fun? It will be!

When I set out in August, I wanted to be a wild and free spirit rocking out with the windows down and wind in my hair out on the open road. And, I secretly wanted the road trip to have “purpose”—as a reward, as an answer, to find a home, and/or as an identity shift—just like my previous road trips at turning points during graduate school in 2008, and after job loss in 2010 and in 2012. This desire for clarity was stoked by questions that inevitably arose during the deep, honest conversations I had with all the new friends that I met along the way: Is this a vacation? A road trip? A sabbatical? A mid-life crisis? What are you doing? The honest answer: I don’t know. And, so at some point along the way, closer to the end than to the beginning, I finally shed my desire "to make certain what is uncertain, and I lived with the untrammeled openendedness of such fertile non-knowing." I found joy—that swirl of deep spiritual connection, pleasure, and appreciation, as defined by Brené Brown in her book, Atlas of the Heart. I was finally wild and free. Just like Everett Ruess, whose biography was gifted to me along the way. “At the beginning of his multiple treks into the desert, Ruess had no real idea of exactly what he hoped to accomplish. Toward the end of his recorded wanderings a few years later, that lack of focus no longer mattered,” wrote John Nichols in Everett Ruess: A Vagabond for Beauty. “Ultimately, it was his life that was his greatest work of art.” He was simply happy to paint, to write, and to be in the glory of nature. Somewhere in the enchanting, wide, open desert of New Mexico, I remembered how travel—especially solo, road-tripping on a budget—deeply fuels my own sources of inspiration: discovering new places, meeting new people, getting exposed to more lifestyles, seeing extraordinary beauty, connecting with nature, and ultimately my own true nature. Read this week's newsletter to hear more about what I'm learning and reflecting on right now. #learning #integrity #inspiration #selfleadership #spiritualdevelopment #discernment #levelingup