Life, God and Carpet Installation
by August Turak
I spent most of my 20's on my knees installing carpet. My brother Tom, our truck and tools would accompany me on my pilgrimage from city to city and eventually from house to house. Often we would be greeted at the door by a beaming couple brimming with excitement over the fact that our arrival meant that their endless remodeling Odyssey was finally at an end.
Inevitably they would insist on giving us the Cook's Tour of their home spun home improvements replete with stories of how it all came about.
These tours always left me feeling sweetly melancholy and sad. Why? Because to a man and woman they were invariably wonderful people who had obviously worked long and hard on the...
Inevitably they would insist on giving us the Cook's Tour of their home spun home improvements replete with stories of how it all came about.
These tours always left me feeling sweetly melancholy and sad. Why? Because to a man and woman they were invariably wonderful people who had obviously worked long and hard on the...
The BBC and Me on Volkswagen and More
by August Turak
Had a great time last night on the BBC show Business Matters. I was joined by sustainable clothing designer Tom Cridland, in London. I am huge fan of the BBC and honored to be an ongoing contributor on Business Matters. You can listen here to the show if by some act of God you missed me last night!!
Overview of this episode:
Volkswagen was a brand that seemed to epitomise German efficiency and reliability. Not anymore. The scandal of deliberately falsified emission tests has grown to the point where Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn has had to resign. The company has set aside €6.5bn to deal with the probable costs. So who could be faced with the task of turning the...
Overview of this episode:
Volkswagen was a brand that seemed to epitomise German efficiency and reliability. Not anymore. The scandal of deliberately falsified emission tests has grown to the point where Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn has had to resign. The company has set aside €6.5bn to deal with the probable costs. So who could be faced with the task of turning the...
Want To Be Successful Without Selling Your Soul?
by August Turak
I was featured on the 1 Simple Thing podcast with Dave Kirby recently. We talked about finding meaning and authenticity in our business. It's a five day series where I spend about 10 minutes each day - Monday through Thursday - sharing one simple thing listeners can do to make a lasting change in their life. Friday's show is a recap of the week and the simple things you can do to be more successful in your personal and professional lives. Join us! http://bit.ly/1STiTunes
Below are link's and overviews of each episode. Monday, August 31, 2015: http://bit.ly/AT76ws Tuesday, September 1, 2015: http://bit.ly/AT77ws Wednesday, September 3, 2015: http://bit.ly/AT78ws Thursday, September 3, 2015: http://bit.ly/AT79ws Friday, September 4, 2015: http://bit.ly/AT80ws
We're so grateful that August was a guest on the 1...
Below are link's and overviews of each episode. Monday, August 31, 2015: http://bit.ly/AT76ws Tuesday, September 1, 2015: http://bit.ly/AT77ws Wednesday, September 3, 2015: http://bit.ly/AT78ws Thursday, September 3, 2015: http://bit.ly/AT79ws Friday, September 4, 2015: http://bit.ly/AT80ws
We're so grateful that August was a guest on the 1...
The Life Worth Living
by August Turak
"Man is a mystery. If you spend your whole life trying to puzzle it out do not say you wasted your time. I occupy myself with that mystery because I want to be a man."
Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote this in a letter to his brother when he was just 17. I have had this quote pasted to every fridge I've rented or owned since I was about 20.
I especially love that Dostoevsky is arguing that the path to becoming an authentic human being lies in trying to solve what may very well be an insoluble mystery.
Secondly I am astounded that a boy so young could realize that "becoming a man" is the highest aspiration one can aspire to. Though in a...
Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote this in a letter to his brother when he was just 17. I have had this quote pasted to every fridge I've rented or owned since I was about 20.
I especially love that Dostoevsky is arguing that the path to becoming an authentic human being lies in trying to solve what may very well be an insoluble mystery.
Secondly I am astounded that a boy so young could realize that "becoming a man" is the highest aspiration one can aspire to. Though in a...
The BBC and Me
by August Turak
Had a great time last night on the BBC show Business Matters. I am huge fan and honored to be an ongoing contributor. You can listen here to the show if by some act of God you missed me last night!!
I was asked to take a quick quiz prior to the show. The quiz was titled: Would you make a good entrepreneur? It posed the following question:
Do you have what it takes to successfully start a business, and grow it into a large and profitable company? Many of us have dreamed of setting up our own business, of becoming our own boss, and earning our own way in the world.
Take the BBC Business Matters two-minute biz quiz to discover their...
I was asked to take a quick quiz prior to the show. The quiz was titled: Would you make a good entrepreneur? It posed the following question:
Do you have what it takes to successfully start a business, and grow it into a large and profitable company? Many of us have dreamed of setting up our own business, of becoming our own boss, and earning our own way in the world.
Take the BBC Business Matters two-minute biz quiz to discover their...
A Secret to Success
by August Turak
Great people don't just do what is asked or expected: They ANTICIPATE by doing things WITHOUT BEING ASKED.
For example: If your boss EVER has to ask you for a status report on something you are working on you are FAILING. Yes, you are failing even if you are actually doing great work and are ahead of schedule.
Like Radar O'Reilly in the old TV series MASH, the secret to success is proactively getting out in front of things.
For example, if a man's wife has to ask/remind him about their anniversary he will end up buying twice the roses for barely half the credit!
If I have to ask you for the five bucks I lent you then even if you quickly produce...
For example: If your boss EVER has to ask you for a status report on something you are working on you are FAILING. Yes, you are failing even if you are actually doing great work and are ahead of schedule.
Like Radar O'Reilly in the old TV series MASH, the secret to success is proactively getting out in front of things.
For example, if a man's wife has to ask/remind him about their anniversary he will end up buying twice the roses for barely half the credit!
If I have to ask you for the five bucks I lent you then even if you quickly produce...
The BBC Meets August
by August Turak
Had a great time on Business Matters last night on the BBC. I know lots of you are now kicking yourselves for missing out. But take heart here's the link online. As usual I am witty, succinct, incisive and perspicacious so don't miss it!
After my guest appearance on the BBC's show Business Matters, Melissa told me that they want to have me on a regular basis as a contributor. I am thrilled. First of all I'm a big fan of the BBC and listen myself. But more importantly it demonstrates that my message of service and selflessness is resonating with a world wide audience.
Maybe I'm not "a voice crying in the wilderness" after all!
My thanks once again to so many...
After my guest appearance on the BBC's show Business Matters, Melissa told me that they want to have me on a regular basis as a contributor. I am thrilled. First of all I'm a big fan of the BBC and listen myself. But more importantly it demonstrates that my message of service and selflessness is resonating with a world wide audience.
Maybe I'm not "a voice crying in the wilderness" after all!
My thanks once again to so many...
Turak on Income for Baby Boomers
by August Turak
I joined Ken Queen, host of the Income for Baby Boomers Podcast recently. He asked a lot of questions about my beginnings as an entrepreneur, and we covered many aspects of starting a business. I think some of his questions, and my responses could lead to some important business insights. We had a lot of fun too! Click here to listen.
God Speaks
by August Turak
Is God a Taoist? written by Raymond M. Smullyan in 1977 is hands down one of the coolest things I've ever read and it is hilariously funny to boot. It is a conversation between God and a mortal man who wants to be freed from his own free will. It was written by a logician and later in the Socratic dialogue God talks about evil and the way things must be as well. I go back to this over and over.
Here is a sneak preview! . . .
Mortal: And therefore, O God, I pray thee, if thou hast one ounce of mercy for this thy suffering creature, absolve me of having to have free will!
God: You reject the greatest gift I have...
Here is a sneak preview! . . .
Mortal: And therefore, O God, I pray thee, if thou hast one ounce of mercy for this thy suffering creature, absolve me of having to have free will!
God: You reject the greatest gift I have...
Brother Robert
by August Turak
Mepkin Abbey recently lost my friend and Hero Br. Robert. It was Br. Robert who in my book, Business Secrets of the Trappist Monks, tells me, "You know everyone wants to die like a Trappist, but no one wants to live like one."
Br. Robert was an incredibly hard worker.Every day for many years he collected eggs in the chicken houses; rapidly scooping them up with both hands three at a time and then gently depositing them in 24 egg flats stacked in columns six... flats high. Then he would load them into an old truck and drive them to the "eggery" or "grading" house where we would wash them, grade them, put them in cartons, and send them off to...
Br. Robert was an incredibly hard worker.Every day for many years he collected eggs in the chicken houses; rapidly scooping them up with both hands three at a time and then gently depositing them in 24 egg flats stacked in columns six... flats high. Then he would load them into an old truck and drive them to the "eggery" or "grading" house where we would wash them, grade them, put them in cartons, and send them off to...
It's Good To Be A Saint
by August Turak
Several weeks ago my brother Tom and I went to Myrtle beach to see our Aunt Helen and her children our cousins.
My Aunt Helen is my father's younger sister and I simply adore her. When I was a kid we couldn't afford vacations, but for me spending a couple weeks every summer visiting my Aunt Helen and my Uncle Rudy was all the vacation I needed. * * *
She was more than a second mother to me. For example, she would insist on tucking me in about five times every night, and with each tuck she added another blanket until I would wake up the next morning tired from the weight of all the blankets! I still love to tease her...
My Aunt Helen is my father's younger sister and I simply adore her. When I was a kid we couldn't afford vacations, but for me spending a couple weeks every summer visiting my Aunt Helen and my Uncle Rudy was all the vacation I needed. * * *
She was more than a second mother to me. For example, she would insist on tucking me in about five times every night, and with each tuck she added another blanket until I would wake up the next morning tired from the weight of all the blankets! I still love to tease her...
The Power of Transformation & Personal Trainers
by August Turak
August Turak recently took his own advice when he embarked upon a personal journey to physical health. You can read about his journey in the YMCA of the Triangles article, One Secret to Success: Hire a Personal Trainer.
The proof is in the pics. Here are the before and after photos of Turak' s journey and ultimate progress. Congratulations on the transformation!
Before Turak's Physical Transformation.
After Turak's Physical Transformation
The proof is in the pics. Here are the before and after photos of Turak' s journey and ultimate progress. Congratulations on the transformation!
Before Turak's Physical Transformation.
After Turak's Physical Transformation
My Mom
by August Turak
In loving memory of Peggy Kelly Turak
In 1984 my mother died. It is now 2015. She has been dead for 31 years. I am now just one year older than she was when she passed away at 61. My mother married at what was then the ripe old age of 28 and went on to have 10 pregnancies and 8 children in the ensuing 12 years. I am her first born and my mother was always my champion and full time cheerleader.
Back in the 1970's I was racing from Washington D.C to Cleveland Ohio on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. When I saw the exit for Pittsburgh I impulsively pulled off and took a 50 mile detour just...
In 1984 my mother died. It is now 2015. She has been dead for 31 years. I am now just one year older than she was when she passed away at 61. My mother married at what was then the ripe old age of 28 and went on to have 10 pregnancies and 8 children in the ensuing 12 years. I am her first born and my mother was always my champion and full time cheerleader.
Back in the 1970's I was racing from Washington D.C to Cleveland Ohio on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. When I saw the exit for Pittsburgh I impulsively pulled off and took a 50 mile detour just...
Glad Tidings of Great Joy
by August Turak
I am thrilled to announce that my book, Business Secrets of the Trappist Monks: One CEO’s Quest for Meaning and Authenticity has just been released in paperback by Columbia Business School Publishing. It seems to be doing well since Business Secrets has rocketed back up the Amazon charts of best sellers.
If you could be so kind I would appreciate any help I could get in spreading the word.
Any social media help---Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linked In, etc. --- would be extremely helpful.
Here's the link to my book on Amazon. Thanks to everyone for buying my book!
Service and Selflessness Spotlight: A Wise Community
by August Turak
The Spirit of Community
Sense of Pride Teamwork Kinship
Worthwhile Goals Leadership Shared Sacrifice
Sense of Purpose Self-Reliance Involvement
Community Culture Resiliency Dedication
Can-Do Attitude Mission Resourcefulness
Dedication of New Building: WBC Homecoming 2014 ...
Dedication of New Building: WBC Homecoming 2014 ...
The Perfect Weekend
by August Turak
I just finished up an incredible weekend with Steve Shriver and Ray Sosko-- two old friends from grade school. It was also Ray and Steve who, when we were just twenty, accompanied me to that momentous lecture by that hill billy Zen Master who radically upended my life.
What made our reunion so special is that it was almost utterly free of the bane of my existence: CHIT CHAT. Hour after hour and with not a hint of boredom or fatigue our conversation effortlessly flowed. Politics, philosophy, science, Roman history, technology, mysticism, poetry, sexuality, art, psychedelics, parenting, mythology, economics, leadership,demographics, the meaning of life, the Three Stooges or the genius of Fire Sign Theater it didn't matter: We covered 'em all...
What made our reunion so special is that it was almost utterly free of the bane of my existence: CHIT CHAT. Hour after hour and with not a hint of boredom or fatigue our conversation effortlessly flowed. Politics, philosophy, science, Roman history, technology, mysticism, poetry, sexuality, art, psychedelics, parenting, mythology, economics, leadership,demographics, the meaning of life, the Three Stooges or the genius of Fire Sign Theater it didn't matter: We covered 'em all...
My Father's Question
by August Turak
August Turak, Sr. with his children
Interludes of openness and candor between my father and me were exceedingly rare. So rare in fact that I remember and treasure every one of them.
Several years before he died at 86 he suddenly said. "Augie, what you've built your life around is too abstract. People need things that are down to earth and tangible. Practical things they can feel and touch. What you're offering is too ethereal."
"I know what you mean Dad," I replied, "but that is exactly the point. What most folks consider real is what I find ethereal and what they think is ethereal is what I think is rock solid real."
He looked at me quizzically. "Look at...
Interludes of openness and candor between my father and me were exceedingly rare. So rare in fact that I remember and treasure every one of them.
Several years before he died at 86 he suddenly said. "Augie, what you've built your life around is too abstract. People need things that are down to earth and tangible. Practical things they can feel and touch. What you're offering is too ethereal."
"I know what you mean Dad," I replied, "but that is exactly the point. What most folks consider real is what I find ethereal and what they think is ethereal is what I think is rock solid real."
He looked at me quizzically. "Look at...
Some Good News
by August Turak
I've just learned that The Boomer Business Owner podcast featuring yours truly just passed 1000 unique downloads.
Many thanks to Charlie Poznek for the opportunity and of course I am thrilled that my message of selfless service seems to be resonating with so many business folks.
Many thanks to Charlie Poznek for the opportunity and of course I am thrilled that my message of selfless service seems to be resonating with so many business folks.
Turak on All Things Connected with Dr. Julie
by August Turak
August Turak joined Dr. Julie Krull on The Dr. Julie Show ~ All Things Connected to discuss Business Secrets of the Trappist Monks. Listen to the podcast here. This podcast airs on Transformation Talk Radio - "Transforming the World One Listener at a Time!"
The Dr. Julie Show explores the interconnection of life – within our selves, spirit, humanity, nature, and the sacred whole of creation. Dr. Julie is joined by visionary leaders and change-makers from around the world, to explore what's emergent with the environment, spirituality, relationships, health, the arts, education, and the evolution of consciousness. Find out more about Dr. Julie.
The Dr. Julie Show explores the interconnection of life – within our selves, spirit, humanity, nature, and the sacred whole of creation. Dr. Julie is joined by visionary leaders and change-makers from around the world, to explore what's emergent with the environment, spirituality, relationships, health, the arts, education, and the evolution of consciousness. Find out more about Dr. Julie.