Take the Elevator
This podcast is purely about elevating people through individual life stories and experiences in the Elevator. In the Elevator, what's key is maybe changing your perspective; having self-actualization; embracing your purpose; and acting on it as we grow from one another. There is a whole different point of view when you look up to elevate.
Take the Elevator
361st Floor: What Lignts You Up?
GentheBuilder and Kory explore the power of inspiration - what sparks it, how it differs from motivation, and its often unexpected sources in our daily lives.
• The distinction between inspiration (what pulls you in) and motivation (what pushes you forward)
• How morning routines, physical movement, and spiritual practices create sustainable inspiration
• Being comfortable acknowledging your work and impact when others find inspiration in you
• The concept of "plugging in" - sometimes we receive energy, sometimes we give it
• Finding unexpected inspiration in others' stories and challenges
• Reconnecting with your childhood self and recognizing persistent traits that drive your success
• Embracing the unknown as a source of motivation rather than fear
• The importance of maintaining playfulness and childlike wonder as adults
Look us up and let's elevate every day. Visit thegenko.com or thefuzzyfurryforest.com to connect with us.
Midlife is freaking hard. Let's flip the script.
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hey, it's jen the builder, and uh cory and hello cory and everyone else that's here and hello jen the builder, and everyone else here. You know what? And hello Jen the Builder and everyone else here.
Speaker 1:You know what I love that you call me Jen the Builder, because I have a quick story to share, sure, so over the week I was reminiscing about things and reading a book that I haven't been in in a while Okay, okay, I mean, I've been in it, but it's been so surface so I said I need to dive deep. I just need to dive deep, and one of the things that I learned is this so we, we've always talked about the meaning of it actually provides some kind of path, or or it influences who you are and what you're about.
Speaker 2:Right Definitely gives you context.
Speaker 1:Yes. So my mom was going to name me Nehemiah and I know I've shared this before Nehemiah because they didn't know if I was going to be a boy or girl. I think they were hoping that I was going to be a boy, but hey, guess what? You didn't know if I was going to be a boy or a girl. I think they were hoping that I was going to be a boy, but hey, guess what? You didn't get that, you got me instead. So my mom, in all her cuteness, was, instead of finding a new name, she was just going to change the pronunciation of Nehemiah which, by the way, is a prophet in the Bible to Nehemia.
Speaker 1:I'm sorry for laughing, but just hearing that name, nahimya it sounds uh um a little bit comical the way you're saying it's not a funny name because I'm sure very dramatic I'm sure there's someone out there named right but it's not what that emphasis let me let me say it like in a sweet way, okay nahimia very much so uh right nahimia much better, much better, thank you but in my mind I was like you were gonna name me nahimia, um, so I always knew it to mean like knee high right. Well, guess what, cory, this prophet actually was inclined to build? Yes, then the builder, and he organized like men and and women and rebuilt cities now, you didn't always know that right I just found this out during the week.
Speaker 1:oh okay, so I thought, even though mom didn't give me that name, because my dad thankfully stepped in with Genevieve, but it still stuck, isn't that interesting Very interesting Jen the. Builder and I told my mom this over the weekend. She just giggled. She thought it was so cute.
Speaker 2:So you are who you're supposed to be anyway, that's right.
Speaker 1:Okay, pretty cool, right. Anyways, how's your week been, corey?
Speaker 2:Week end was phenomenal. I could go on and on and on, but I won't. It's just lots of fun. We did visit the land of Disney with a friend Shout out to our friend and we just had a blast.
Speaker 1:It was very comical with some of the antics going on From the beginning In the. Where you park matters, by the way, please.
Speaker 2:That's all I'm going to say Please remember this Don't park in places that you never parked before.
Speaker 1:Well, she said she had when you've never parked before. Well, let's just say it like this If it's not broke, there's no need to fix it, absolutely like if it works.
Speaker 2:There's no need to try to go anywhere else but she provided some very good quality bonding time and it was lots of fun yes, it was actually.
Speaker 1:That's how we started our memorial day weekend. Well, we hope you all had a good one and we are inspired. And, cory, you um pretty much produced this show, or at least what the topic's going to be about you want to share.
Speaker 2:I did and I will, and we're going to be talking about inspiration and not just any normal inspiration, and I'll kick this off with a very uh, direct question to jen only because there's different parts of inspiration that I feel we don't tap into on a regular basis. So if you're ready to dive in, I'm so ready, jen I.
Speaker 1:I believe I'm ready. Let's do it let's see.
Speaker 2:So I believe I know my wife very, very well and I also believe that I understand her. See, knowing someone and understanding them is two completely and totally different things. With my understanding of Jen, I know when she's getting dressed for her day going to work, there are things that she does intentionally. And when these things are happening, when they're in the motions of being done, I'm saying to myself, oh, this is the kind of day she's planning on having, oh, she's going to try to do this today, and so I'm going to let her explain after I ask this question. But with the intentionality that she uses, I notice when the inspiration is kicked up to the next notch. And so, jen, first question about your inspiration on a daily basis. When you're getting dressed and you're going through your makeup routine and you're putting yourself together, can you explain how even the very parts of putting on makeup inspire you to be who you are on a daily basis?
Speaker 1:Yes, so because I'm going to do their makeup hairstyles. You know I'm very drawn to that kind of stuff. I'm a girl's girl, and so when it's been done, well, well, the inspiration is what sparked it, right?
Speaker 1:right so that's how I think of inspiration, and I can name some people who are influencers or actresses or singers, or even people in my life. So that's the inspo. Now, what keeps me doing it every day is the motivation. It keeps, keeps pushing me. So, um, corey, you help me with that. Like my music number one, and if I want to really get into it, I play a song that was written just for me, and I mean, how many people can say that they had a song written just for them? So Corey wrote me a song called it's All Right, right, yes, and I'm all.
Speaker 2:that's what it's called, right? Yes?
Speaker 1:And so that's very motivating. I have a special vanity set. It's Hello Kitty. It lights up. I have all my makeup lined up and I just feel like it's a great way to start my day. So the inspiration for me was like big picture, and then the motivation is what keeps me doing it every day nice, nice.
Speaker 2:And I started there on purpose, because that's typically the beginning of your day, that's what's getting you out of the room, out of the house, into the car or into the office and then moving you forward. And so, if you have a very low energy start to your day, inspiration is going to be at a minimal. That's right. Tell me about that big difference that happens when you have a minimal amount of inspiration opposed to the right music, the right clothes, the right makeup, the right mood, everything being in its right, proper space so I think that's the setup to keep me encouraged, right?
Speaker 1:so let's talk about like, because, for me, like what lights me up? Yeah, to do the thing. Well, I'll tell you what is the best inspiration, even before the makeup and all that, it's when we're moving. So if you and I get a good brisk, walk in and I have my quiet time and I've fed my heart, my spirit, like it's, it's over, like that kind of inspiration, just kind of carries. So not only does it light me up and lift me up, it carries me through. Does that make sense?
Speaker 2:Oh, absolutely yeah, but I just want to hear what the difference or the opposite.
Speaker 1:Oh, got you, got you. So, man, the opposite is, to be honest, like I really feel like I just want to call off today, Right, if we're going to be real, yeah, like I don't even want to do this. I'd rather stay in bed or I'll just work from home. You know what gosh I wish this was a work from home day, so it's that kind of way. I actually am more inclined to face my day and I'm like bring it on whatever comes my way, whereas the other, without that inspiration and that push which motivates me, then I get complacent, you know, and just kind of lazy actually, I feel.
Speaker 2:Right, right yeah.
Speaker 1:What about you? What gets you going? What keeps you inspired to do all the things that you do? And let me explain this in case someone is listening for the first time. So Corey is my husband, if you didn't already figure that out. And not only does this man hold a nine to five, it's the way, corey, I feel, the way you hold it. Like I see the way you provide service to people and how you build relationships. On top of that, you're an active author, like a book every three to four months, and I think it'd be more if you were able to do all the things by yourself. But because we have a team, we wait on each other, right, and then you play music. You write music, you take care of home. You're my confidant. You're like my best friend. You're a father. You're my confidant. You're like my best friend. You're a father, you're a son. I mean, you're a businessman and we're looking at new businesses. So this is you every day, every day, and it doesn't stop what does the?
Speaker 1:inspiration. Look like for someone like you.
Speaker 2:I think you just said it. That's all just so inspirational. And not only that, I wanted it. So I built myself in a way to where and when I say that guys, I don't mean literally like I, I, this is all me, I, I, I. What I mean, is I prepared for the task that that I'm dealing with? And I wanted to deal with them. I, I didn't say no to any of them. I didn't say I don't think I can. I said I want it, put me in coach. And we've had this conversation.
Speaker 2:It's my time, it's my turn. I'm ready for this. I like to say that we were pretty successful raising three children into adulthood. They're out there doing their own thing right now, and so whatever happens from this point is a result of what Jen and I have poured into them. As far as all the other stuff, you only get one life and you got to make the best of it.
Speaker 2:And life doesn't listen to your excuses. I don't care what you tell it. It does not pay attention to what excuse you've come up with, why you didn't accomplish something, why you didn't do something. And it's so important to me to leave a legacy, and a lot of people think money or a house or a car, but um, I don't know what, what um car edison was driving or what house he owned, but I do know that he figured out the light bulb thing and that's a pretty big legacy. I also know that his family is benefiting from the things he left. That name carries some weight, and those are the kind of things that I look to do. When I talk about changing the world, people look at me like I'm crazy, but I really mean that I plan on changing this world If it's nothing but one person or one system or one thing that I think is not being run properly. And that's my inspiration morning, noon and night. I know I just went on, but that's, that's what it is.
Speaker 1:That's good stuff. So, man, what amazing sources for inspiration. Some of the things, too, that are inspiring that I especially love is when it comes unexpectedly. Yeah, like you and I might be going to a program and we think, oh, this is going to be so cute, and then there's that one kid that just blows your mind, right, right, and then it's just like this is lighting me up and it makes you want to do more. It's like, yes, and what I love about inspiration is that you're not looking for it and it just visits you, and I know a lot of people find this in books, maybe even like walking in nature. You know, that's very inspiring.
Speaker 2:Another thing that surprises me with inspiration is when it comes from a source of pain, like you know, or grief, or loss, and then that becomes your purpose absolutely, and so, jen, you did me a solid right now, you gave me a proper intro to what I do, and and so it sounds like I you, you know really have some big things happening going on, which which they are, but I deduced you to makeup.
Speaker 1:You sure did, and I'm like that's all right, this is a part of me, that's a fun part of me, and that's just not fair you know.
Speaker 2:So I definitely want to give you your just do as well, because you're you're a business woman, an author, active author, and that's key because there are lots of authors who have decided to hang it up. Whether it be one book, two books or a million books, you know, the active act of writing is key. When you're calling yourself an author and you've inspired others to write, that's where I want to go. You've inspired others to write. That's where I want to go. How do you feel about being inspiration as someone else in your field? Uh, I know you're not an active nurse, but you are a nurse and you keep your credentials active. Um, you're a coach and a manager and you help lead teams of people on a regular. So how does it feel to be someone's inspiration?
Speaker 1:It's incredible that you're asking me this on the podcast and I'm having to answer this in here. I'm going to give you some context, okay. Sure, so a couple of weeks I had asked my boss hey, do you have any feedback for me? So a couple of weeks I had asked my boss hey, you know, do you have any feedback for me? And he knows that I'm at this pivotal part of my life, my career. And he said this just so direct. He said I know you'd like to think that people know what you do because your work is so great, know what you do because your work is so great. And he's all I'm going to challenge and stretch you to be comfortable and confident in talking about the work that you do and plugging into the right people and sharing what you do and who you are, instead of hoping that other people who've benefited from your work will do that on your behalf, because a lot of people just aren't built that way. And so here we are and you're asking me right.
Speaker 1:So, um, how it feels is first, I'm very humbled by it, but how it feels is like I light myself up because I get to do the things that I love and it's serving a purpose and it speaks to people and so, like, when people call me for mentorship or call me for advice, it's still to this day and I hope I never lose it. I really hope I never do. It still blows my mind that, wow, this, this is that moment, right. Or when I'm invited to speak at conferences or women's groups and things like that, and it's a repeat invitation. So it means like, okay, the first time went well, oh snap, I'm getting a second one. You know, and those are the happy moments and it's and I have I always say this.
Speaker 1:I feel like I have to preamble, like, oh, I'm not trying to be full of myself and I really need to let that go, because it's okay to say what you do and it's okay to say I was inspired enough. So something pulled me in and lit me up so tough that I actually had the motivation. Because this is how I see it Inspiration pulls you in and then motivation pushes you to do the thing. I think motivation is the reaction to the inspiration. Inspire someone and that just blows my mind, even if only one person, if that's what what's happened and they become motivated enough to push themselves to talk to me or push themselves to do the thing. Nothing, um, I don't want to say nothing, but that is one of the biggest things that brings me joy. And it's not a matter of myself, it's just that seeing people whether it was me or someone else that inspired them to get the motivation and the push to do something is is pretty awesome I.
Speaker 2:I love it. That was a lot of good, solid information. I'm just going to pick one thing that was simple for me to really decide how I want to take this and chew on it and digest it. You said your boss told you to plug in, and when I think about plugging in, I think about either receiving some energy or giving some energy Because it can go both ways.
Speaker 1:That's brilliant.
Speaker 2:That's so brilliant. You set me on fire immediately, so that's my biggest takeaway.
Speaker 1:Wow, so you're an energy giver.
Speaker 2:Yeah. And a taker yeah yes because some things are plugging in to get energy and some things are plugging in to give energy. And so which one are you going to be today? Because you could be either or it's not.
Speaker 1:Like one is bad or both yeah so you asked me which one am I going to be? Well, I'll tell you what. Let's just take this podcast, for instance. I'm going to ask you how would you relate the plugging in and take the elevator Like, what has that done for you? Oh, man.
Speaker 2:So now I see what you were faced with, because this is actually energy giving to me. Yeah, energy giving to me? Yeah, and I I honestly feel like I'm I'm ready to put out, because the energy I have is just generating more and more power, and I hope someone is receiving something, and here's the key I don't care if it's everybody, because I know I'm not going to say something that's going to affect every single person I'm talking to yeah.
Speaker 2:I know that sometimes only one person is going to respond or say, wow, that was for me and I'm good with that, and then other times multiple people will probably say, hey, you know what that was for me. But regardless, I think at this moment, me being able to talk to people and just put the information out there is giving me what I need and again, I hope it's returning the favor.
Speaker 1:I'm going to say it is because of the feedback we've received and I agree with you, corey, it's essential in our lives. I feel this podcast and it's so funny guys, because I looked up like longest running podcasts or most episodes and I gotta look it up again, but there aren't a lot of podcasts that I've found that into their 361st episode, right this is true.
Speaker 2:There are a few, quite a few, but the thing about it is that we weren't famous.
Speaker 2:We weren't yeah that's so true, had a name right and then the podcast was a result of it right which is typically how it happens absolutely we're no names, you know doing the podcast and just enjoying the process and then growing, yeah, as we go and that was important for us, because we wanted to start with zero recognition, zero notoriety, and then begin something with just talking to the everyday, average people that would want to, you know, be able to build themselves up and take away some good points that we were talking about so I you know, I I think we gave a shout out, but I think we need to do the noble thing and really spell this out.
Speaker 1:Cory, I had been on instagram and we have an author friend, annette, and she was posting on instagram that she was going to have a. What is it called? And when they're at the library?
Speaker 2:oh, yeah, and they highlight the.
Speaker 1:Author book signing and yeah answer question yeah, and so I'm like, absolutely, because we we love to support people in their endeavors and especially when their work is you good work, and she's such a solid person for the Hispanic community and female writers, you know, of course so we go and I'm just anticipating a chill day and enjoying, and you know, light conversation. That was an unexpected inspiration because she said so many things that I'm like I do the same thing and I always thought like something's wrong with me, like why do I not produce the thing until the very last minute? And so, hearing her story and all the times that she tried and tried again, tried and tried again, and then she talked about her support in her community that was unexpected inspiration. And you know that kind of way, when you're just in the presence of someone like that and you feel like I can do this, I feel seen and heard, I know what she's talking about, and look at her now and she's just so calm and quiet about hers, isn't she?
Speaker 2:The thing that was most inspiring about her for me is that this woman is not one of those that have to have the attention not has to be in the spotlight, and I get it.
Speaker 2:When you're an author and you're being spotlighted, you have to take that step in that, in that area. However, that's not. She's not attention seeking, she's just being sought after because of her gift and ability. Yeah, and I definitely understood more, just from a woman's point of view, when I heard her and because I never thought you were strange or weird. I just was like thank you, why is she waiting so long? Just get it done. Because I'm a, I'm a, you know, six months to a year, right, everything, because I'm just everything. But that's just not everybody.
Speaker 1:Everybody doesn't work on the under those yeah, you know circumstances so let me explain a little more, a little more, a little more. In my world, the I'm gonna say 90 of the creation happens in my head and I'm always in it and it doesn't come out until it's time. And when it does come out, that's why I'm able to work so fast. And people are like how in the world? Well, I've been living in it all this time, you know that kind of way. So that was very inspiring to hear, because she's written so much and then she gets re-upped for another contract, for a few more books, you know, and that's intense because you're getting contracted for books and you have to write them by a certain time. But the thing is, is the due dates actually work for her?
Speaker 2:yeah so and the competition is not other writers, it's herself, right she?
Speaker 1:actually said that world is very um non-competitive right, because they're just cheering each other on.
Speaker 2:There's room for everybody and I'm not used to that, so I'm. But I'm good with competing with myself because I'm always trying.
Speaker 1:Oh, my god, you got to tell the story you told me earlier about how. So here's the thing inspiration, another thing I'm going to say. I think it really happens throughout different moments in your life and then when you get mature or older, it comes together and you're like that's why I was the way I am, because it was for this moment or those are the things that interested me then for you writing and just creating. But you told me the cutest story about being in competition with yourself. I hope it translates well on this, because I'm putting you on the spot to share it.
Speaker 2:So I was telling Jen, you know she had just visited a friend that had a young child and she was talking about the temperament of this child and I just have always felt like if we had a child together, this child would have been extremely hyperactive. Because I remember myself as a kid and the story that I opted to tell her was the level of hyperness was insane. Like I, all I did was run and jump and run faster and uh, and I told her about this time in my life, coming from elementary school, I lived about two miles away from the school and I'm literally running as fast as I humanly possibly could and busting through the door and like I'm trying to shave off seconds and not for competition Against yourself yeah.
Speaker 2:I just want to beat three minutes. I think it was like five minutes and 14 seconds and I was trying to get to 10 seconds and I bust through the door mom, what's my time, what's my time? And she's like calm down, and I'm like you gotta tell me. So I was just explaining. What was inspirational to me was just being better, getting better, getting faster, you know so yeah, and here you are today, still the same still the same. I don't run like that, no more, that's no in other things.
Speaker 1:yeah, could you imagine? Oh, no, I love that story and so I I wonder what other components of your life make you feel like, oh, that and this and in addition to this, and here I am today, and so, people who are listening, it's fun to go back in time and think about who you were and who you still are.
Speaker 2:Oh, yeah, and.
Speaker 1:I think that's why, Corey, you and I really hold a piece of us to be very playful and childlike. Thus, everyone, I have a confession I have not shared this with you all I hope you're not about to say what I think you're about to say but I think you're gonna say it anyway, go ahead I don't know if you know.
Speaker 1:So, um, cory and I, for downtime, we have enjoyed disneyland in the last year or so. Right, we got magic keys. Man, it was great, and we figured how many trips we need to take for it to pay off. Let me tell you, we tripled the amount of trips. Okay, we sure did. And I said you know, corey, it's time for us to grow up a little bit and do some other things. And, um, we're not going to renew our magic keys. Sorry, that's just not, you know, just not going to do it. And so you went along with it At first.
Speaker 1:At first, and as we're getting closer, I went with some friends, had a great time. Then, corey and I went with some other friends, had a great time. Then cory and I went with some other friends, had a great time. And the thing is is, if you don't renew your magic keys, you might not get them because there wasn't a release for magic keys. Right, it's all a gamble. And so guess what we did? We not only renewed them, we upgraded our Magic Keys. So we don't have to pay for parking when we go, it's a bigger discount when we shop. It's like, oh my gosh, we've done it again. We've done it again and in a most major way. But I think that's inspiration too for us.
Speaker 2:Oh, yeah, absolutely.
Speaker 1:Is being able to play, because there is a lot of work and it's fun work. But what I'm excited about is the motivation that we have to do it and then seeing how everything is coming together and just knowing that there's so much more and I think it's more than we could ever imagine and that in itself is inspiring. The unknown, see, and that's what I love about this journey the things that scare you actually become the things that motivate you. The unknown, that's something that people aren't comfortable with, and I'm not totally comfortable with it, but once you've seen and done all these things so many times and you've seen how the unknown's not so bad actually, it's actually better than I thought it was going to be Most of the unknown.
Speaker 2:There are some unknowns that I've encountered.
Speaker 1:Like oh.
Speaker 2:I don't know if I wanted to do this.
Speaker 1:Yeah for sure, and that's why I don't think there's absolutes and everything. But if I had to speak majority, I'd go with the majority of that. I um, most of what I've experienced that's unknown has been pretty um giving. Yeah. So, gory, thanks for, uh, this inspiring episode. It's been great to just sit back and enjoy and recall, yeah. So if you all have any stories that you'd like to share with us about what's been inspiring for you, what's motivated you, please DM me and, with your permissions of course, we'd love to share it, maybe on the next episode.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, and feel free to go over and visit that website, the genco, or, if you're in the book, into the books or into the creative side of what we're doing, the fuzzy furry forestcom and you know us to take the elevator.
Speaker 1:We say, look up and let's elevate every day, elevate every day elevate every day.
Speaker 2:Elevate every day.
