344. He Asked, “Are You Happy?” The Answers Changed His Life’s Direction.
Jason Treu
With law school almost behind him, the interviews with prospective law firms were beginning. At the interview’s end, when asked, “Do you have any questions for us,” Jason tossed out what he thought would be a softball question, “Are you happy?” One by one, the responses threw him a curve.
Jason Treu is a top business and executive coach and sales leadership trainer. He helps his clients get unstuck and find their purpose, to take their business and career to the highest levels. He has worked with well-known CEOs such as Steve Jobs and Mark Hurd at Hewlett-Packard. He’s helped his clients meet influencers such as Tim Cook, Bill Gates, Richard Branson and others.
How Did You Start Using Your Talents?
In his undergraduate years in college, Jason ran for office in student government on a ticket considered to be the underdogs. With his fellow candidates at the top of the ticket, they assembled a slate of nearly 60 candidates who were running for offices at all levels across the campus. They won, but the outcome was challenged and a second election had to be held. “We had to motivate our candidates to make sure our voters turned out. I remember giving a motivational speech in front of all these people. Something off the cuff that I said really got them motivated. We ended up winning by a bigger margin than the first time. It showed me that you’ve got to find leadership within yourself.”
The Most Impactful Turning Point?
As Jason was completing law school and interviewing with prospective firms, he posed what he thought would be a softball question to each of 30 interviewers: “Are you happy?” It elicited some of the longest responses, and Jason quickly saw that, to a person, they were not happy. “I had spent two years in law school at that point, and the profession I wanted to enter was a profession that everyone I interviewed did not like. I did a lot of soul-searching. Ultimately, it led me to choose not to practice law and to go into technology doing marketing.” He headed west to Silicon Valley.
The Most Powerful Lessons Learned?
“I think it’s to value determination and tenacity. I look at life to see what could be possible and how I can make it happen. Instead of looking at roadblocks, I’ve learned from watching really successful people to take a leap of faith, not for the landing or the outcome, but for the experience. I know now that most of the times when I make the landing it won’t be what I thought it would be. I’m going to have to learn a lesson or pivot off of it. That’s something that has really helped me.”
Steps to Success from Jason Treu
1. Look inside to find your own leadership. To lead others, you must be able to lead yourself.
2. Step up. If you wait for other people to lead, you’ll be waiting for a long time.
3. Learn how to put other people before yourself.
Connecting With Jason Treu
Website: BeExtraordinary.tv
Twitter: twitter.com/jasontreu
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jasontreu
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