Franklin Planner Podcast

How to Be Proactive: Timeless Lessons from History on Leadership, Responsibility, and Personal Growth

Are you living intentionally — or simply reacting to everything life throws at you? In this episode, discover how history’s greatest leaders mastered personal responsibility, emotional control, and proactive decision-making to shape their destiny.

In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, host George Wright III is joined by Franklin Planner board member John Harding and historian and podcast host Misty Howard for a powerful conversation on what it truly means to be proactive.
Rooted in Dr. Stephen R. Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, the discussion explores how individuals can shift from reacting to circumstances to intentionally choosing their responses. The guests explain how language shapes mindset, why governing values create long-term stability, and how focusing on what you can control expands personal influence.
Misty brings history to life through compelling examples of Viktor Frankl, Abraham Lincoln, and Abraham Clark, demonstrating how courage, discipline, and principle-based living enable people to rise above extreme adversity. John connects these timeless lessons to practical application, emphasizing how daily habits and values-driven planning empower leadership at every stage of life.
Listeners will walk away with actionable insights to strengthen personal accountability, emotional control, and purpose-driven living.

04:30 – Acting vs. Being Acted Upon
09:15 – Language Patterns and Personal Responsibility
15:40 – Viktor Frankl and Choosing Freedom in Adversity
25:10 – Abraham Lincoln and Emotional Discipline
34:20 – Governing Values and the Circle of Influence
42:45 – Abraham Clark and Loyalty to Principles
50:10 – Invictus Poem and Personal Ownership

Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together.

The Franklin Planner Team

About Misty Howard
Misty Howard is a historian‐enthusiast and podcast host who brings a fresh, youth-oriented voice to timeless values and historical wisdom. She serves as the creator and host of the podcast Faith Ignited (described as “Immersive, real stories from history, seen through the lens of faith”). Her work focuses on exploring the lives of influential historical figures—especially from the founding era of the United States—and connecting their personal values with modern leadership, mission-driven living, and character development. Misty emphasizes the importance of self-improvement, purpose, and narration of historical truths often overlooked in mainstream narratives. Her style blends historical research, faith-based insight, and practical application for younger audiences.
Her contributions bring depth, perspective, and inspiration to conversations about proactive living and principle-centered leadership.

Guest Resources:
Podcast Link: Faith Ignited — available via Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, etc.

In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, George Wright III hosts an Exclusive Interview with Cardone, a renowned business expert and author.

Grant delves into his philosophy on achieving success, emphasizing the importance of self-respect, personal responsibility, and maintaining integrity in all affairs. He shares insights on his practical approach to growth, elaborating on his 10X rule, and discusses the significance of big vision and wealth as tools for broader goals. Grant also touches on the value of writing down goals as a daily discipline, the critical nature of completing tasks, and how his family integrates into his work life. Through anecdotes and personal examples, he inspires listeners to lead their lives actively, without excuses, and to hustle for opportunities in today's economy.

01:53 What Matters Most: Personal Responsibility and Integrity
03:56 The 10X Rule: Vision and Growth
12:46 Wealth and Success: Redefining Wealth
21:21 Daily Rituals and Personal Discipline
25:53 Blind Spots and Continuous Learning
28:43 Digital Overwhelm: Staying Focused
29:51 Avoiding Digital Distractions
30:58 The Power of Writing Goals
34:08 Leadership and Personal Responsibility
42:36 Creating a Balanced Life
47:29 Challenging Conventional Wisdom

Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together.

The Franklin Planner Team

About Guest: Grant Cardone
Grant Cardone is an American entrepreneur, real estate investor, sales strategist, and motivational speaker. He is the founder and CEO of Cardone Capital, a real estate private equity firm with billions of dollars in assets under management, and the creator of the 10X philosophy, which focuses on massive action and goal achievement. Cardone is also a New York Times bestselling author of multiple business books, a frequent keynote speaker, and the host of popular business and entrepreneurship programs and events worldwide.

Guest Resources:
Website: https://grantcardone.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grantcardonefan/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrantCardone
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantcardone/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GrantCardone

In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, hosts George Wright III and John Harding welcome special guest Ben Kjar. Ben, an American wrestler, international speaker, real estate investor, and motivational figure, shares his remarkable life story of overcoming Crouzon syndrome to become a NCAA Division One Wrestling All American and a world champion wrestler. Ben discusses the principles and daily rituals that have guided his success, emphasizing the importance of setting clear goals, involving supportive people, and maintaining a rigorous daily routine. The conversation also delves into Ben's upcoming movie 'Standout', which documents his journey and aims to inspire others to realize their potential and overcome obstacles. The film, releasing on January 23rd, aims to reach a wide audience to spread its powerful message. Ben's story and advice offer valuable insights for anyone looking to lead a successful and fulfilling life.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:44 Ben Kjar's Early Life and Challenges
01:44 Overcoming Obstacles and Achieving Success
04:52 The Power of Setting Goals
07:31 Support Systems and Accountability
18:40 Daily Rituals for Success
19:31 Morning Routine and Workout Priorities
21:07 The Crown Code: A Way of Living
22:23 Principles and Goals: A Personal Story
24:01 Overcoming Adversity: Wrestling Journey
30:59 The Impact of the Movie 'Stand Out'
36:25 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together.

The Franklin Planner Team

About Guest: Ben Kjar
Ben Kjar was born with Crouzons syndrome (a craniofacial anomaly), and as a young boy the doctors told him that he would live a different life.....and that’s exactly what he’s done! He has risen above any of life’s challenges and become a Victor not a victim. Ben is Utah Valley University’s first-ever NCAA Division 1 Wrestling All-American and has represented the USA team internationally. Ben is an international professional speaker and has told his story to millions around the globe, in front of crowds of up to 10,000 people!

Guest Resources:
Website: https://www.benkjar.com/
Instagram: @benkjar
Facebook: Ben Kjar
X (formerly Twitter): @benkjar
LinkedIn: Ben Kjar
Film Website: https://standoutfilm.com/

https://blog.franklinplanner.com/born-to-standout-ben-kjars-journey-of-courage-discipline-and-purpose/

In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, host George Wright III welcomes esteemed guest Stephen M.R. Covey, a global authority on leadership, trust, and organizational performance. Covey discusses his legacy of timeless principles in leadership and trust, stemming from the influential teachings of his father, Dr. Stephen R. Covey. The conversation delves into the importance of trust as both a social virtue and economic driver, emphasizing the concept of 'Smart Trust' as a strategic and calculated way to build trust in teams and organizations. Covey outlines his 'Five Waves of Trust' model, which starts with self-trust and ripples out to team, organization, marketplace, and societal trust. He shares practical daily actions such as identifying high-leverage behaviors, declaring intentions, and being more trusting to help individuals build self-trust and improve their leadership. The episode is packed with actionable insights aimed at helping listeners lead their lives more effectively by prioritizing trust and integrity.

00:49 Stephen Covey's Background and Legacy
02:07 Foundational Principles of Leadership
07:08 Building Trust in Organizations
10:56 The Economics of Trust
18:46 The Ripple Effect of Trust
25:49 Building Self-Trust
26:48 The Power of Small Commitments
30:45 Common Behaviors That Break Trust
36:22 Extending Smart Trust
41:01 Daily Actions to Build Trust

Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together.

The Franklin Planner Team

About Guest:
Stephen M.R. Covey is a bestselling author, speaker, and leadership expert known for his work on trust, ethics, and high performance, particularly his book The SPEED of Trust, which frames trust as a crucial economic driver, not just a soft skill. He's the former CEO of Covey Leadership Center, instrumental in making his father's 7 Habits famous, and now leads FranklinCovey's Global Speed of Trust Practice, advocating for "Trust & Inspire" leadership over old "Command & Control" methods.

Guest Resources:
Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/StephenMRCovey
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenmrcovey/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100029016867179
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-m-r-covey-6400191a5/

Other Useful Online Links
Personal / Project Website: Trust & Inspire — https://trustandinspire.com/
Insight Out Show
Professional Site: Speed of Trust — https://www.speedoftrust.com/

https://blog.franklinplanner.com/stephen-m-r-covey-how-high-trust-leaders-get-better-results-in-life-and-work/

In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, host George Wright III interviews Dr. William Danko, bestselling author and wealth-building expert. Dr. Danko shares insights from his landmark books, 'The Millionaire Next Door' and 'Richer Than a Millionaire,' discussing habits of ordinary millionaires, the importance of frugality and saving, and the Golden Rule's role in achieving true prosperity. He also delves into personal stories that shaped his values and career, including caring for his quadriplegic brother and the creation of the Milton and Mary Danko Golden Rule Award. Dr. Danko emphasizes the importance of intentional living, charitable giving, and practical financial planning for achieving both financial success and life satisfaction.

01:27 Dr. William Danko's Background and Family Influence
07:19 Core Concepts from 'The Millionaire Next Door'
17:38 The Golden Rule and Charitable Living
23:04 Timeless Principles for Financial Success and Happiness
26:17 Final Thoughts and Practical Advice

Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together.

The Franklin Planner Team

About Guest: Dr. William D. Danko
Dr. William D. Danko is a much-sought after adviser on marketing and the behavior of the affluent. He co-authored The Millionaire Next Door, a research-based book about wealth in America that has been ranked as a bestseller by The New York Times for more than three years. Over four million copies have been sold and it continues to be featured in national book chains. More recently, he coauthored Richer Than A Millionaire ~ A Pathway To True Prosperity, a book that shows how to build wealth with a greater purpose in mind. It offers special value to younger people with the ambition to be wealthy and happy, yet lacking sustainable strategies and tools. His publications have appeared in the Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Business Research, Journal of Advertising Research, and other leading journals. He has presented his research findings in nearly every State, as well as in Australia, Canada, Germany, Poland, Switzerland, and Taiwan.

Guest Resources
THE MILLIONAIRE NEXT DOOR
RICHER THAN A MILLIONAIRE

https://blog.franklinplanner.com/a-pathway-to-prosperity-with-dr-william-d-danko/