Overview:
In this powerful episode, Nathan sits down with Keith Sconiers—entrepreneur, mentor, speaker, and man of deep integrity. Keith shares his moving journey from surviving a childhood shaped by trauma, addiction, and instability to becoming a purpose-driven leader in both business and community.
Growing up in a toxic environment in West Fresno, Keith faced extreme adversity: abuse, abandonment, homelessness, and countless school expulsions. Yet through the influence of key mentors, family members, and his faith, he found not only survival—but direction, purpose, and an unshakable foundation of core values.
This conversation dives into the power of alignment, intentionality, and identity. Keith unpacks how adversity shaped his character, why honoring your core values changes everything, and how true passion is discovered, not stumbled upon.
What You’ll Learn:
How toxic environments can fuel your drive if processed well
Why Keith believes your worst seasons can shape your best outcomes
The influence of mentors like Uncle Chuck and Keith's grandmother
How core values drive both personal integrity and business success
Practical ways to find your passion through reflection and pain
Why honoring your identity is more important than chasing success
Quotes to Remember:
“Sometimes we don’t have passion because we’re still in pain—and we haven’t addressed it.”
“It’s not good example or bad example—it’s good action or bad action.”
“Friction creates fire—and friction will reveal your calling.”
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Keith Gonyers
02:04 Growing Up in a Challenging Environment
05:42 Fear and Adversity in Childhood
09:05 The Influence of Father and Uncle Chuck
13:51 Learning from Good and Bad Examples
25:55 The Impact of Keith's Grandmother
26:54 Lessons Learned and Transformation
27:50 Discovering Identity and Passion
29:19 Passion and Misalignment of Identity
30:18 Journey of Self-Discovery and Core Values
34:39 Friction and Finding Passion
37:03 The Power of Core Values
45:37 Instilling Core Values in Others
51:44 Identity and Relationships
Contact Keith Sconiers
Email: keith@keithsconiers.com
Website: http://keithsconiers.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithsconiers/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithsconiers/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keithsconiers/
