This past week I spent two days in California training with Grandmaster Kim, and as always, it never disappoints.
What made it even more meaningful was sharing the experience with two other students of GM Kim, Grandmaster’s Keith Winkle and Ed Ciarfella. Great training, great conversations, and the kind of time together that fills your cup in ways that go far beyond the physical.
Grandmaster Kim shared hours of wisdom with us during Tah do and shared insight, perspective, and guidance that applies just as much to life and leadership as it does to training. There were too many powerful moments to fit into one post, but one in particular really stood out.
For the first hour, Grandmaster Kim didn’t talk about himself.
He didn’t talk about what he’s doing, his family, or what he’s working on in his training.
Instead, he asked about us.
He asked about our families.
Our lives.
How we were really doing.
Only after genuinely listening did he begin to share.
That lesson became a topic of our conversation that evening.
So often in business, people rush straight to the point. They lead with the agenda. The pitch. The problem to solve. Grandmaster Kim reminded me that true leadership…and real connection…starts with care.
It reinforced something I try to be intentional about, especially at Empowered Mastery. Whether it’s a meeting, a call, or even an email, I always try to start by asking how someone is doing. Not as a formality, but sincerely showing genuine interest in how they are.
Most of us aren’t in a transaction business. We’re in a relationship business. And every interaction is an opportunity to show that you actually care. That is Il Il Shin, to be better every day!
