**About the Guest(s):**

Michael O'Brien is a resilience expert, professional speaker, and author with a profound story of survival and transformation. He has leveraged his life-changing cycling accident and near-death experience to become a beacon of inspiration, emphasizing the power of resilience, mindfulness, and community in overcoming challenges. Michael's work is focused on helping individuals and organizations navigate change, build stronger relationships, and foster positive, inclusive cultures. With his leadership insights and his advocacy for mindfulness practices, Michael has become a sought-after speaker and coach, demonstrating that adversity can be a springboard to greater success and personal growth.

**Episode Summary:**

In this introspective episode, Michael O'Brien joins host Trevor Houston for a deep dive into the concepts of resilience, gratitude, and mindfulness. With an air of vulnerability, Michael recounts his harrowing cycling accident, his journey through recovery, and the unexpected ways it reshaped his perspective on life and success. As the conversation unfolds, the topic gravitates to how such life-altering experiences can be transformative, offering valuable lessons on navigating the uncertainties of life and building the muscle of resilience.

**Chapters:**

(0:00:00) Michael O'Brien describes his near-death cycling accident

(0:01:37) Trevor Houston asks about the accident and if Michael was wearing a helmet

(0:02:05) Michael recounts the details of the accident and his injuries

(0:06:38) Trevor asks about Michael's mindset after the accident

(0:08:20) Michael discusses initially feeling like a victim and his shift in mindset

(0:10:01) Michael talks about practicing gratitude and choosing his own label

(0:12:24) Overcoming a victim mentality and shifting mindset

(0:13:35) Importance of building a supportive community

(0:15:03) Taking small steps and celebrating small wins

(0:18:07) Introducing the pause, breathe, reflect (PBR) practice

(0:19:37) Benefits of weaving mindfulness throughout the day

(0:20:49) The app designed to help busy individuals practice mindfulness

(0:24:04) Health benefits of mindfulness in reducing inflammation

(0:25:35) Mindfulness as a tool to sharpen performance and maintain an edge

(0:26:55) Ice baths can induce a state of mindfulness through deep breath work

(0:27:57) Incorporating short mindfulness practices throughout the day is beneficial

(0:31:49) If 7 billion people practiced mindfulness, it could lead to a more peaceful world

(0:32:43) Emotional intelligence and mindfulness are essential for effective leadership

(0:38:43) Viewing others through a broader lens can lead to unity and trust

(0:39:23) Trevor Houston discusses the importance of selling cars in developing people skills

(0:41:18) How to build resilience in the face of unexpected changes or challenges

(0:43:03) Trevor and Michael discuss whether resilience is a muscle and how to develop it

(0:44:46) Expecting the unexpected and having a resilient mindset

(0:48:58) Michael O'Brien introduces his coaching program, "The Inner Circle"

(0:51:11) Trevor Houston shares his own experience and plans to get back into in-person events

(0:52:21) Building relationships and connections for a ripple effect

(0:53:02) Connecting with Michael O'Brien on social media

(0:53:43) Michael O'Brien's app, Pause, Breathe, Reflect

**Resources:**

• Michael O'Brien's Website: Michael O'Brien Shift

• Michael O'Brien on Instagram: @pausebreathereflect

• Michael O'Brien on LinkedIn: Michael O'Brien

• LinkedIn e-book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://online.flippingbook.com/view/714118097/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Subscribe: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/who-ya-know-show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Trevor Houston is a licensed financial professional offering insurance/financial products through various carriers. For more info visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://cpwstrategies.com