During the second half of my conversation with Jim Collins, we started talking about what we were encoded for. He mentioned that he was encoded to be really curious. And how that’s driven his personal and professional life flywheel.

Then he started talking about what I was encoded for. He said, “You have incredible encodings for what I would describe as attractive persistence. You don’t have a pushy tone. You are persistent. Once you see what must be done, you are relentless in your persistence. That’s part of your encodings, you’re just like, ‘I am not gonna let go.’ Your persistence is welcoming. It’s also part of your style. The way you’re put together. It’s a relentless persistence of invitation. That’s the way I experience your encoding. That persistence of invitation is a Ryan Hawk encoding of leadership that works really well for you.” That was a cool moment.

Now, for the last time on launch week, I invite you to buy my book, The Price of Becoming. I think you'll enjoy the stories. I think you'll find the reflection questions and action steps useful. And I think it's a book you'll be happy to gift and/or recommend to your friends and loved ones.

When it comes to things I believe in, I am relentlessly persistent. I believe in this book. I think Jim said those things about me because he's aware of the years of cold emails and phone calls I made to his team. They probably said to him, "This dude won't leave us alone, will you just talk to him so he'll stop bothering us?" And then we talked (episode #216). Then again. And then again (this one in person).

Towards the end, Jim showed me his notes. Before flying out west, I sent him some ideas about what we could talk about… Then he took that and wrote his own notes about each. And then he pointed to one of the answers on his sheet. It said, “Most important today… Catch up with an old friend.”

He mentioned the conversations we’d had over the past decade. He said it with such a genuine look in his eye. My lips started quivering. I tried to hold off. But couldn’t. Lost it. Tried to compose myself. Looked down. Messed with my hat a little bit. Was able to get out an “I’m sorry.” He comforted me. I was a little embarrassed. Wondered if he’s thinking, “Why is he crying?” I said something about being grateful for him and the impact he’s had on me and so many others…

“Never meet your heroes” is a common adage. I guess it’s because we put people on a pedestal, and it’s impossible for them to live up to those lofty expectations. And yet, every once in a while, you meet someone like Jim Collins, and not only does he live up to them, but he blows past them. I’m super grateful for the day. One I’ll remember forever.

Thank you for your support during launch week for The Price of Becoming. As an author, it's my job to seed the market with as many copies as possible. After that, the quality of the book determines how much it spreads. Thank you for your kind feedback, reviews, and pictures you've sent, reading it from all over the world. If you haven't bought it yet, I'd love it if you did that now. Thank you! -- Ryan