184. Media Strategist and Runner Says “Hell, Yeah!” to Life

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Todd Schnick

Todd Schnick, co-founder of the intrepidNOW Media Network, is a media and business strategist and talk show host and producer. He is a former marketing strategist, national political operative, and lobbyist. Todd has published five books, and writes a business and lifestyle column. A distance runner, he lives in Brookhaven, Georgia with his wife Stephanie and family.

How Did You Start Using Your Talents?

With degrees in history and political science, Todd says he was headed for Boston and a Master’s degree in history when he got a job offer from U.S. Congressman Connie Mack from Florida. He took the job, working in constituent services. When Mack was elected to the U.S. Senate, Todd went with him. His political career included heavy involvement in the contentious Florida recount of 2000 and top-level work with the Republican Party in three states.

The Most Impactful Turning Point?

Todd’s first major turning point was in college. He and his fraternity brothers were falling into the trap of living the life of social expectations. “Like most guys, I went into college thinking, ‘I guess I’ll get a business degree,’ and went down that path. Then, somehow, I turned a corner. I don’t give that due credit for how my life turned out. It was actually the first courageous move I ever made in my life: changing my educational path.”

The Most Powerful Lessons Learned?

As interesting and exciting as Todd had found politics, the day came when it was no longer satisfying. He realized how many people stay in jobs when their heart is not in it. Something written by Derek Sivers about taking on new commitments transformed his approach to life. Sivers wrote, “If I feel anything less than, ‘Wow! That would be amazing! Absolutely! Hell yeah!’ – then my answer is no.” Todd said the freedom he felt was amazing. “Today I’m doing what I want to do. I’m engaged in the things that I want to be doing, and doing them on my terms.”