Video
A Faith Inspired Business Talk with Turak at GLF
by August Turak
On October 10th, 2018 August Turak joined David W. Miller Ph.D., to discuss Business Secrets of the Trappist Monks at the Greenwich Leadership Forum (GLF). The video of this event is now available to the public and we welcome you to watch.
The Greenwich Leadership Forum meets each month to discuss how the values of faith inspire the world of business. Like TED talks for those who believe. GLF brings local business executives and leaders together once a month to engage each other and prominent outside business leaders in open and frank dialogue about the vital link between faith, leadership, and ethics. They consider the resources of two bibles – the Wall Street Journal and the Holy Bible – to find practical wisdom, guidance, and encouragement to deal with the challenges and opportunities facing leaders in the marketplace. Led by David W. Miller, Ph.D., we engage in stimulating and meaningful dialogue.
The Greenwich Leadership Forum meets each month to discuss how the values of faith inspire the world of business. Like TED talks for those who believe. GLF brings local business executives and leaders together once a month to engage each other and prominent outside business leaders in open and frank dialogue about the vital link between faith, leadership, and ethics. They consider the resources of two bibles – the Wall Street Journal and the Holy Bible – to find practical wisdom, guidance, and encouragement to deal with the challenges and opportunities facing leaders in the marketplace. Led by David W. Miller, Ph.D., we engage in stimulating and meaningful dialogue.
Turak at OEN's Angel Oregon Showcase
by August Turak
In this video, August Turak speaks to Oregon's entrepreneurial community at OEN's 2014 Angel Oregon Showcase.
Monday Motivational Moment: Everybody Got A Boss
by August Turak
WNCN: Monday Motivational Moment
August Turak shares tips on how to be a great follower in the episode of WNCN's Monday Motivational Moment series.
August Turak shares tips on how to be a great follower in the episode of WNCN's Monday Motivational Moment series.
Monday Motivational Moment: Are You Coachable?
by August Turak
WNCN: Monday Motivational Moment
August Turak is now a regular guest appearing on WNCN's Monday Motivational Moment series. In this episode, Turak shares five tips that are coachable traits.
August Turak is now a regular guest appearing on WNCN's Monday Motivational Moment series. In this episode, Turak shares five tips that are coachable traits.
Monday Motivational Moment: How To Gain and Maintain Trust
by August Turak
WNCN: My Carolina Today with Mike Morse and Valonda Calloway
August Turak appeared on WNCN’s My Carolina Today to talk about his book, Business Secrets of the Trappist Monks. That appearance led to an invitation to stay after the show for an extended interview. The extended interview turned into an opportunity for Turak to be a frequent guest on a series called: “Monday Motivational Moment.” Here is Turak’s debut on the Monday Motivational Moment series in which he shares the importance of trust. Listen as he shares some valuable lessons on how to gain and maintain trust.
August Turak appeared on WNCN’s My Carolina Today to talk about his book, Business Secrets of the Trappist Monks. That appearance led to an invitation to stay after the show for an extended interview. The extended interview turned into an opportunity for Turak to be a frequent guest on a series called: “Monday Motivational Moment.” Here is Turak’s debut on the Monday Motivational Moment series in which he shares the importance of trust. Listen as he shares some valuable lessons on how to gain and maintain trust.
My Carolina Today - After The Show: August Turak
by August Turak
WNCN: My Carolina Today with Mike Morse and Valonda Calloway
August Turak talks to Mike and Valonda on WNCN’s My Carolina Today about the business secrets he learned by working with the Trappist Monks. They had so many questions that they asked Turak to stay after the show so they could pick his brain a little bit more for a special extended taping they call “After The Show: August Turak.”
August Turak talks to Mike and Valonda on WNCN’s My Carolina Today about the business secrets he learned by working with the Trappist Monks. They had so many questions that they asked Turak to stay after the show so they could pick his brain a little bit more for a special extended taping they call “After The Show: August Turak.”
Turak on WNCN's My Carolina Today
by August Turak
WNCN: My Carolina Today with Mike Morse and Valonda Calloway
To be successful in business, traditional thinking dictates that we should give everything that we have to make a lot of money. However August Turak teaches us that success does not mean sacrificing happiness for big profits when he sits down to talk with Valonda Calloway and Mike Morse on WNCN’s My Carolina Today.
To be successful in business, traditional thinking dictates that we should give everything that we have to make a lot of money. However August Turak teaches us that success does not mean sacrificing happiness for big profits when he sits down to talk with Valonda Calloway and Mike Morse on WNCN’s My Carolina Today.
Four Business Secrets of the Trappist Monks on MSNBC's Your Business

by August Turak
JJ Ramberg talks with August Turak on MSNBC's Your Business
Honesty, integrity and empathy are key virtues to nurture when it comes to building a company that people can trust. On July 10th, 2013 Turak joined host JJ Ramberg on MSNBC's Your Business - Business War Chest, to talk about his new book, Business Secrets of the Trappist Monks and the timeless principles he learned while living and working with the Trappist Monks of Mepkin Abbey.
Click here to watch the interview!
Honesty, integrity and empathy are key virtues to nurture when it comes to building a company that people can trust. On July 10th, 2013 Turak joined host JJ Ramberg on MSNBC's Your Business - Business War Chest, to talk about his new book, Business Secrets of the Trappist Monks and the timeless principles he learned while living and working with the Trappist Monks of Mepkin Abbey.
Click here to watch the interview!
August Turak Unplugged on Business Secrets of the Trappist Monks Book
by August Turak
In this video, Turak candidly speaks about his first book: Business Secrets of the Trappist Monks: One CEO's Quest for Meaning and Authenticity (Columbia Business School Publishing; July 2013). He shares a behind the scenes look at why he first went to Mepkin Abbey back in 1996. Attributing much of his success as a successful entrepreneur, corporate executive, and award winning author to living and working alongside the Trappist monks of Mepkin Abbey, he explains he never could have imagined then that he would write this book... A book that shares the secrets he learned firsthand from the monks as a frequent monastic guest as they grew an incredibly successful portfolio of businesses.
Order now through Columbia Business School Publishing
Duke University - Five Years with a Zen Master
by August Turak
The Duke University Self Knowledge Symposium proudly presented August Turak who gave his renowned lecture, Five Years with a Zen Master on September 26th in Duke University’s Bryan Center. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as Turak took them on a wild, wonderful ride sharing his experiences in his search for the meaning of life as a young man. Turak delivered an inspiring message of struggles and hope and shared what he discovered including the importance of giving back to the community. In the spirit of service and selflessness and giving back to our community, we offer you; our viewers, the opportunity to watch for yourself in our latest video.
EPA on Memorial Day
by August Turak
On Thursday, May 26th 2011, the Environmental Protection Agency held a Memorial Day Celebration and welcomed August Turak as their modern day Renaissance Man and the guest speaker. With 40 years of protecting health and the environment, the United States Environmental Protection Agency knows what it means to recognize the selfless service of others and continues to strive towards what Turak describes as a Transformational Organization. Turak demonstrates through stories and case studies why motivation and passion are in short supply and why these are the two most important things in life.
Thank you!! –Elaine Manning, EPA
Great speaker. While society may now view it as just another holiday, we can do all in our power to make sure Memorial Day is properly acknowledged. Great Speaker....
Thank you!! –Elaine Manning, EPA
Great speaker. While society may now view it as just another holiday, we can do all in our power to make sure Memorial Day is properly acknowledged. Great Speaker....
Start With Leadership
by August Turak
What do I do?
It’s always better to manage culture, not people. Start today by being the person who shows a dedication to hard work, selflessness, and your customers. Your colleagues will follow suit.
Don't figure it out, find out: Make a commitment to excellence and keep it. Find out what Turak is really offering those who are willing to take the trip. Begin by leading yourself. Read how Turak suggests that you overcome the resistance that creeps up even when you are doing your best to put others first. Start by doing small things. Read Turak’s response to the question: What did you lose, and find out what was at stake as he was transformed from a selfish to a selfless person. Demonstrate leadership...
Don't figure it out, find out: Make a commitment to excellence and keep it. Find out what Turak is really offering those who are willing to take the trip. Begin by leading yourself. Read how Turak suggests that you overcome the resistance that creeps up even when you are doing your best to put others first. Start by doing small things. Read Turak’s response to the question: What did you lose, and find out what was at stake as he was transformed from a selfish to a selfless person. Demonstrate leadership...
State of the State
by August Turak
What do I do?
Look at the environment around you. Write down three things that you can accomplish this month in the spirit of service and selflessness.
Don't figure it out, find out: See the bigger picture. Spirituality is missing and should be applied to our economic and psychological problems in America. Read as Turak answers when a concerned reader asks if spirituality is compatible with business. Get and stay inspired by focusing on what is essential. Read how action leads to more action and eventually inspiration. 3. Pay attention, look someone in the eyes and really try to see them. Find out why a concerned reader thinks that most of us don’t really see what is going on, despite looking. Don’t give in to culture. Watch...
Don't figure it out, find out: See the bigger picture. Spirituality is missing and should be applied to our economic and psychological problems in America. Read as Turak answers when a concerned reader asks if spirituality is compatible with business. Get and stay inspired by focusing on what is essential. Read how action leads to more action and eventually inspiration. 3. Pay attention, look someone in the eyes and really try to see them. Find out why a concerned reader thinks that most of us don’t really see what is going on, despite looking. Don’t give in to culture. Watch...
Change Everything
by August Turak
What do I do?
Begin to practice detachment by looking at your situations realistically and objectively. Try to separate your emotions when you take an honest look at yourself. What things need to change and how do your actions affect others. Write down 3 things you can do to improve yourself and your relationships. Ask people close to you to remind you when you are not improving them.
Don't figure it out, find out: Apply wisdom, equanimity, and detachment to every challenge… including love. Find out what Turak is really offering those who are willing to take the trip. Start by leading yourself. Read about how Turak’s offer to work for Louis R. Mobley, founder of the IBM Executive School for free if Mobley...
Don't figure it out, find out: Apply wisdom, equanimity, and detachment to every challenge… including love. Find out what Turak is really offering those who are willing to take the trip. Start by leading yourself. Read about how Turak’s offer to work for Louis R. Mobley, founder of the IBM Executive School for free if Mobley...
Determined and Eager

by August Turak
Even my febrile brain is at a loss as to how to apply this wonderful video to business or anything else that is “practical.” It is just such a wonderful piece that I had to watch it over and over and now feel compelled to share it. On the one hand it is only a video of a singleman, Mark Alouf, trying his hand at feeding the baby (Sophia) of another close friend, Jonathan Cook. Yet there is a tad of awkwardness on Mark’s part that when coupled with the eagerness of Sophia touched me. Maybe we all need to be as determined as Mark is to share and as eager as Sophia to receive. Hope you enjoy it half as much as I did.
Determined and Eager
Determined and Eager
Triangle AMA Event

by August Turak
On January 20th August Turak presented "Cutting Through the Noise: Turning Products and Services into Iconic Brands" at the Triangle Marketing Association luncheon in Raleigh, NC. Following the event, president of the Triangle AMA, Shane Johnston said: "We definitely recommend Augie for another event, including our own!"
Comments from Attendees:
Excellent presentation. Great verbal & visual examples to get points across. –Leigh McLeod, Bank of America
Much of this speaks to psychographics. The underlying emotions aspirations of the audience we seek to tap into as part of marketing. -Diane Staton Loved the Mad Men Clip – it really taught a good lesson & provided a good example. -Emma Finch, University Conference Services Great! I just wish we had more time. Maybe...
Much of this speaks to psychographics. The underlying emotions aspirations of the audience we seek to tap into as part of marketing. -Diane Staton Loved the Mad Men Clip – it really taught a good lesson & provided a good example. -Emma Finch, University Conference Services Great! I just wish we had more time. Maybe...
NASCAR, Coca Cola and Transformation
by August Turak
You gotta’ check out this recent Coke ad:
Updating and reusing the iconic commercial from the 1970's was EXACTLY what I recommended Coke should do in an article I wrote for Ad Age, What Bolsters the Bottom Line? Selfless Marketing.
It may be a coincidence but I still feel pretty smart! Either way this is another data point demonstrating that the defining trend of the 21st Century is going to be a transformation of being from selfishness to selflessness.
Updating and reusing the iconic commercial from the 1970's was EXACTLY what I recommended Coke should do in an article I wrote for Ad Age, What Bolsters the Bottom Line? Selfless Marketing.
It may be a coincidence but I still feel pretty smart! Either way this is another data point demonstrating that the defining trend of the 21st Century is going to be a transformation of being from selfishness to selflessness.