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Mindful Living

The Power of Relationships: Matt Willis on Faith & Human Connection in a Digital World

The Joy of Living Podcast with Barry Shore

In this soul-stirring episode of The Joy of Living, Barry Shore is joined by Matt Willis—visionary entrepreneur, global connector, and one of LinkedIn’s Top 50 Most Impactful People. Together, they unpack the quiet power of favor as the ultimate life and business currency, and how unlocking destiny is less about hustle and more about how we treat others.

Matt shares his remarkable journey—from painting street numbers as a teen to commanding boardrooms with royalty, billionaires, and global changemakers. But this conversation goes far beyond success stories. It dives deep into the spiritual mechanics of impact, the healing power of empathy, and the magnetic force of joy.

Expect laughter, life-changing acronyms like “GOOSE” and “LOVE,” and insights that will have you rewiring your mindset and reimagining every human interaction as sacred.

This isn’t just an interview. It’s a transmission.
Tune in if you’re ready to lead with love, collaborate with purpose, and elevate your life by elevating others.

Sponsors:

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Show Notes:

[10.00] Favor, Connection, and Unlocking Human Potential

  • Matt shares that the real currency in life is not money or equity, but favor — how people treat you and how you treat them.
  • Every human connection holds the key to unlocking a deeper level of destiny for both people involved.
  • Matt and Barry explore the idea that each person we meet contains something of value meant for our growth.
  • They discuss the practice required to rewire our minds from selfishness to generosity and collaboration.
  • Barry introduces the acronym “GOOSE” — Getting Out Of Selfishness Expands — to illustrate how stepping out of self-interest brings transformation.
  • Matt emphasizes the spiritual aspect of human connection, recognizing each person as a child of God.
  • The pair reflect on the reciprocal nature of love and service, where giving opens doors you never expected.
  • Connection, when fueled by authenticity and love, can lead to real, practical breakthroughs in life and business.

[18.00] Building Empires Through Purpose and Perspective

  • Matt shares his entrepreneurial roots, starting a curb painting business at 16 to help first responders save lives.
  • He credits his mother and stepmother for choosing to invest in his purpose, not just his wants, setting him up for long-term success.
  • Barry and Matt reflect on how small acts, like painting house numbers, become transformative when tied to service.
  • Matt discusses building a top-performing sales career and then transitioning to travel and digital business for more freedom.
  • A pivotal moment comes when Matt borrows money to start a travel business despite financial constraints.
  • The early months were tough, with tension at home, but persistence and faith turned the tide by month four.
  • He shares his ascent into six-figure months and eventually launching his own travel company.
  • The key throughout: viewing people as collaborators, valuing relationships over transactions, and showing up with consistent love.

[27.00] Favor as the Ultimate Leverage in Business and Life

  • Matt unpacks how real favor often unfolds slowly, but once it does, it creates exponential openings.
  • He explains that favor can be ignited through giving first, often when there is no immediate return.
  • Barry draws on biblical examples like Queen Esther and Joseph to show how favor leads to divine elevation.
  • They emphasize that favor doesn’t vanish in hard times; it simply hasn’t activated yet.
  • Rejection or delay doesn’t mean failure—it’s just a setup for a higher level of impact.
  • Matt reflects on how favor has quietly positioned him to work with world leaders, billionaires, and global institutions.
  • He urges listeners to focus on kindness, empathy, and relationship-building as the ultimate form of capital.
  • The foundation of favor is loving people as they are and believing in their potential even before they show it.

[36.00] Healing, Empathy, and the Power of Words

  • Barry and Matt dive deep into the emotional healing journey, noting that everyone is hurt and healing in some way.
  • Matt shares a profound insight from his father: most people are simply trying their best with the information they have.
  • Empathy, even for those who hurt us, is the bridge to personal peace and reconciliation.
  • Barry riffs on the word “hurt” transforming into “Ruth,” drawing a link between pain and purpose.
  • They explore the power of words to either wound or heal, introducing the word-sword connection.
  • Matt emphasizes the tongue as the most powerful tool, able to bless or break depending on our intention.
  • Their shared message: wield your words with love, grace, and purpose to reshape your life and the lives of others.
  • Appreciation and verbal kindness are daily tools everyone can use to uplift others and align with divine favor.

[44.00] Joy, Fun, and Leading with Vibrant Energy

  • Barry underscores that fun is not frivolous—it’s a key to unlocking deeper human connection and productivity.
  • Matt shares that joy and humor are among his secret weapons in business, even with world leaders and elite clients.
  • Fun disarms tension, breaks down barriers, and accelerates collaboration.
  • Barry expands on the GOOSE analogy, noting how geese take turns leading, emphasizing shared leadership.
  • Each person has the potential to lead in their life and community by stepping up with joy.
  • They explore the acronym LOVE as Living On Vibrant Energy, the essence of a fulfilled and purpose-driven life.
  • Spiritual alignment, daily gratitude, and acts of service are positioned as the cornerstones of a joyful life.
  • Matt concludes by reminding listeners that favor can elevate you in a single day, but it starts with love, service, and trusting the process.

About Matt Willis

Top 50 LinkedIn Most Impactful (2021) | Founder Global Web 3 Ventures | Advisory Board Women’s Golf | Smart Cities | Speaker World Leaders Events | Internet Marketer | Travel Founder | Love God