In this inspiring podcast episode, I sit down with Emmy-nominated poet and multi-platinum songwriter, IN-Q. We unravel how storytelling can alter the direction of our lives, both personally and professionally. IN-Q’s illustrious career has seen him shine on global platforms, and his book, Inquire Within, is a testament to his profound impact on audiences worldwide. In our conversation, he takes us through his evolution from sheer curiosity to becoming a renowned poet and an advocate for the power of heartfelt and enduring stories.
IN-Q is an Emmy-nominated poet, multi-platinum songwriter, and best-selling author of Inquire Within. Oprah named him on her SuperSoul list of the world’s most influential thought leaders, and Amazon Prime Video exclusively streams his stand-up poetry special, IN-Q: Live at the Ace Theatre.
We dive into the profound impact of storytelling on personal growth, business leadership, and making meaningful connections. IN-Q’s journey from a curious observer of life in Santa Monica to a celebrated and renowned poet and songwriter reveals the essence of creativity and the incredible power of storytelling. We explore how empathy, vulnerability, and authenticity play key roles in shaping a narrative that not only enthralls but also transforms. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or someone passionate about the art of storytelling, this conversation with IN-Q is bound to leave you with meaningful insights and powerful questions to ask yourself.
Find out why Oprah Winfrey named him one of the world’s most influential thought leaders. At the end, IN-Q also performs a powerful poem emphasizing self-acceptance and the impact of self-talk, which you won’t want to miss.
Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. Watch the episode on YouTube.
IN-Q Episode Highlights
The Art and Impact of Storytelling: IN-Q shares his journey from a curious child in Santa Monica, navigating through life’s ups and downs, to becoming a renowned poet and storyteller on global stages. His story underscores the notion that our stories are not just about where we come from; they are about where we are heading and how we choose to navigate our paths. For business leaders and creatives alike, the conversation veers towards incorporating storytelling into organizations and personal life narratives as a tool for profound transformation. We explore the power of vulnerability in making stories relatable, creating moments of connection that transcend the superficial layers of our professional titles or personal façades.
Creativity as a Lifeline: IN-Q delves into the creative process, discussing how creativity serves as a conduit for exploring one’s identity and the world around. He explores the significance of capturing fleeting moments of inspiration and the courage required to bring those sparks to life. IN-Q’s poetic narrative reveals that creativity isn’t about reaching for perfection but about embracing the messiness of the creative journey and finding truth and beauty within it.
The Heart of Connection: A poignant part of the discussion revolves around vulnerability. IN-Q’s reflections on conducting workshops in diverse settings, from corporate boardrooms to juvenile facilities, highlight the universal craving for genuine connection and understanding. He shares the example of an impactful workshop in a jail that led to a violence-free night, demonstrating the profound effect of vulnerability in even the most hardened environments.
Practical Wisdom for a Fulfilling Life: The conversation offers actionable insights that listeners can implement in their daily lives, providing practical wisdom for a fulfilling life. From embracing daily meditation and deep breathing to the simple yet transformative act of being kind to oneself and others, the dialogue encourages a lifestyle rooted in mindfulness, empathy, and creativity. IN-Q’s closes with a poem, a heartfelt ode to self-acceptance and resilience, which encapsulates the overarching theme of our conversation: the invitation to redefine ourselves, to uncouple our identities from past narratives, and to embrace the endless possibilities that lie in the stories we choose to tell ourselves and the world.
The Main Takeaway: What emerges from the conversation with IN-Q is a powerful reminder that storytelling, creativity, and vulnerability are not just artistic pursuits but vital life skills that can lead us to our most authentic selves and, in turn, inspire others to find their paths. This conversation serves as a beacon for anyone looking to transform their lives and the world around them through the art of storytelling. Whether you’re a business leader, a creative soul, or someone in search of personal transformation, this inspiring discussion with IN-Q offers a treasure trove of insights to guide you towards living a more connected, empathetic, and creatively fulfilling life.
Show Notes
0:00 Guest Introduction
1:30 IN-Q’s Journey: From Curiosity to Poetry
5:53 The Power of Storytelling: Changing Lives and the World
10:27 Embracing Creativity and Meditation for Personal Growth
13:54 The Art of Capturing and Cultivating Ideas
21:23 Storytelling Mastery: Techniques and Insights
25:20 Embracing Vulnerability in Storytelling
26:29 Transformative Workshops: From Juvenile Facilities to Corporate Giants
28:45 Vulnerability as a Strength in Leadership
33:14 The Art of Storytelling in Business and Personal Empowerment
40:53 Building Empathy
43:24 A Poetic Conclusion
Connect with IN-Q
Get Better Today with Matt Mayberry
Embark on a transformative journey with Wall Street Journal bestselling author and world-renowned thought leader Matt Mayberry on his podcast, Get Better Today.
In each captivating episode, Matt unlocks the underlying characteristics of success through riveting conversations with some of today’s most influential people, from pioneering CEOs and transformative leaders to world-class athletes and living legends. Step into Matt’s world of endless curiosity and experience a refreshing fusion of critical thinking, varying perspectives, and storytelling that redefines leadership, business acumen, personal development, and the art of peak performance.