Welcome to another masterclass on The Hero’s Blueprint! 🛠️

Today’s guest is none other than Cedric King—retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant, motivational speaker, endurance athlete, and author of The Making Point. Cedric’s journey is one of resilience, transformation, and triumph. From growing up in a single-parent household to losing both legs in an IED explosion, Cedric has redefined what it means to persevere and turn pain into purpose.

In this powerful episode, Cedric shares his incredible story of overcoming challenges, rebuilding his life, and inspiring others to embrace growth through adversity. This conversation is a deep dive into the mindset and practical strategies that helped Cedric transform his life—and how you can do the same.

This is more than just a conversation; it’s a guide for anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or in need of a push to take the first step.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Cedric found his way from a challenging childhood to the military.
• The life-changing moment of the IED explosion and what followed.
• Why perspective is everything in overcoming adversity.
• How starting small can help you get out of a rut.
• The importance of staying in shape—physically and mentally.
• Building meaningful relationships through accountability and love.
• Three life lessons Cedric would leave for future generations.

Timestamps:

06:06 The Military Experience: Trials and Growth
13:56 Facing Adversity: The IED Incident
25:48 Transformative Recovery and New Perspectives
37:21 The Importance of Staying in Shape
38:45 Setting the Bar High for Recovery
42:14 Becoming a Better You Through Challenges
45:44 Getting Out of a Rut: Start Small
53:49 Building Meaningful Relationships
01:02:52 Three Life Lessons for Future Generations

Connect with Cedric King:

• Book: The Making Point
• Instagram: @cedrickingmsg

Connect with Joe De-Paola:

• Website: joedepaola.me
• Instagram: @joeydepaola
• LinkedIn: Joe De-Paola

Ready to unlock your resilience and rewrite your story?

This episode is packed with actionable steps and powerful lessons to help you overcome any challenge. Don’t miss this conversation with Cedric King—it might just change your life.

Click play now and start building your Hero’s Blueprint. 🚀

Luck isn’t random—it’s something you create. Welcome to the second masterclass of The Hero’s Blueprint 🛠️.

In this solo episode, I dive into the formula for luck: Preparation + Positioning = Opportunity. We’ll explore why luck is more about the work you put in and the positions you place yourself in than just chance.

Drawing from examples like the dedication of Olympic athletes and lessons from my time in Toastmasters, this episode is packed with actionable tools to help you seize opportunities and take control of your future.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why luck is misunderstood and how you can redefine it.
• How preparation sets the stage for success.
• Why positioning yourself strategically is just as important as preparation.
• How execution transforms preparation into real-world results.
• Practical steps to create your own opportunities every single day.

🎧 Listen now and start building your blueprint for success.

Connect with Joe:

• Website: www.joedepaola.me
• Instagram: @joeydepaola
• LinkedIn: Joe De-Paola

Welcome to the first masterclass of The Hero’s Blueprint! 🛠️

Today, I’m joined by the incredible Winn Claybaugh—entrepreneur, author of Be Nice (Or Else!), and mentor to thousands. Winn has spent decades creating impact, leading with kindness, and showing the world what true success looks like. In this conversation, we unlock tools, mindsets, and lessons that will help you take action—especially if you feel stuck, unsure of your direction, or disconnected from your purpose.

This is more than inspiration—it’s a blueprint for growth, packed with tangible takeaways to build the life you deserve.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Why owning your story and being authentic changes everything.
2. How to surround yourself with the right people to transform your life.
3. How to evaluate whether a job or environment is helping you grow or holding you back.
4. Why leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about influence and showing up.
5. How to stay positive through setbacks and create momentum when life throws curveballs.
6. The power of being present in relationships and leading with love.
7. Why time management and daily growth are key to living a meaningful life.

Timestamps:

• 02:22 The Impact of Upbringing on Success
• 06:25 The Entrepreneurial Mindset
• 10:19 Navigating Challenges as an Entrepreneur
• 14:12 Owning Your Story and Authenticity
• 18:55 The Importance of Your Circle
• 24:38 Deciding to Stay or Leave a Job
• 29:31 Leadership Beyond Titles
• 33:13 Defining Leadership and Influence
• 37:37 The Importance of Presence in Parenting
• 43:53 Navigating Life's Challenges and Injuries
• 48:19 Time Management and Hustle
• 57:02 The Journey of Growth and Learning
• 01:03:51 Leaving a Legacy of Love and Kindness

Connect with Joe:

• Website: www.joedepaola.me
• Instagram: @joeydepaola
• LinkedIn: Joe De-Paola

Connect with Winn Claybaugh:

• Website: winnclaybaugh.com
• Podcast: Masters by Winn Claybaugh
• Book: Be Nice (Or Else!)

Ready to stop feeling stuck and start taking action? Press play now and learn how to build your Hero’s Blueprint—step by step.