Emily: What a fun photo of you and your goats! Now that you've created this beautiful home and farm, what most resonates with you at this time in your life?
Todd: I love that question! As my kids are becoming young adults, my perspective has certainly evolved. I was very career-driven from my 20s to my 40s, making a lot of sacrifices during that period of my life. Now I'm 51 and seeing more of the forest for the trees. With that perspective comes a desire to achieve more life balance.
I also think a lot changed during the pandemic. The "life is too short" mantra hit home for so many — me included. I tried to renew my sense of purpose and re-examine my priorities. That's when I found DailyOM. Or when DailyOM found me! While this is an opportunity of a lifetime, and one in which I take a great deal of pride and responsibility, I'm more attuned to the "in-between moments" of my life now, like finding bliss listening to the birds singing on early farm mornings.
Emily: That mantra is so true, and a good one to remember. How has your personal journey influenced your approach to your role at DailyOM?
Todd: For most of my life I've been in "build mode": building my relationships, building my career, and building a family. I was very focused on achieving my goals and getting to my destination.
Now I'm transitioning from "build mode" to "repair mode." It's like a home renovation of my life; an opportunity to address some unfinished business, so I can continue to grow and improve. That mindset allows me to appreciate my daily journey instead of focusing on my destination.
I feel a deep connection to the DailyOM community because so many of us are going through our own version of "repair mode." Living our best life means investing in ourselves, and what better investment to make than learning from global leaders in their respective fields at DailyOM? Whether it's healing, exercising, or working with our nervous system, there's something for everyone. Even my dad sends me DailyOM Inspirations that move him!
So given my personal journey, my approach to DailyOM is twofold. First, I strive to be the steward of our brand. I'm dedicated to ensuring we deliver on our promise of affordable holistic wellness teachings for any person, in any country. It's the same mission since we were founded more than 20 years ago. Second, I want to make sure our content is relevant to the world today. There are always new breakthroughs and talented people who shine a new light on making humanity and the world stronger and healthier.
Emily: In what ways do you feel DailyOM differentiates itself from other wellness brands?
Todd: There really is no business in the world quite like DailyOM. We focus on creating courses, experiences, and resources for the well-being of the whole person — body, mind, spirit, and heart. In a recent staff meeting, I kept coming back to a thought I had: DailyOM aims to "amplify humanity." In this ever-changing world fueled by technology, we can grow stronger with a focus on the human experience, powered by technology.
Emily: I remember that meeting, and what you said about amplifying humanity deeply resonated with me and the team. This leads to my next question: In a world of constant change and growing challenges, how do you feel DailyOM can best support our community?
Todd: We obsess about new ways to support our community. We live in an increasingly polarized and isolated world. While technology is a contributing factor, it can also bring people together from around the world! For instance, we started offering live virtual workshops in 2023 to complement our traditional course offerings.
Through these virtual workshops, we discovered our audience is yearning for deeper connections. Many want to meet fellow DailyOMers and bond over shared experiences. This year we responded to this need by hosting our first live virtual summit, with nine instructors over three days. And by the way, Emily, you were a fantastic event host! So, in addition to creating the topically relevant courses of our times, we'll continue to deliver experiences for our community to connect deeper with each other.
Emily: Thank you! It was an honor to host the summit and witness the transformation people were experiencing together. I have one last question: What are your go-to wellness practices?
Todd: Every morning, I do a 10-minute guided meditation. Weather permitting, I like to meditate outside and tune into nature. I think about one or two intentions for the day. I recite the Reiki five principles: "Just for today ... avoid anger, don't worry, be grateful, work honestly, and be kind."
After getting a knee replacement last year, I now dedicate time for strength training and muscle building. I remind myself to respond, rather than react. And I try to walk around the farm each day to say "hi" to the animals, pick and eat a vegetable, touch the dirt, and smile with gratitude!
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