What if the emptiness you feel despite your success isn't a sign you're broken, but a signal you're ready for something deeper?
In this episode, Andrew Anderson, a transformational coach for high-achieving business leaders, shares his remarkable journey from elementary school playground helper to teaching career to becoming the guide that successful entrepreneurs call when they have "problems money can't solve." Through two pivotal relationships, Xavier, a Belgian mentor he met at 19 who still coaches him 21 years later, and Kevin Hall (former VP of Franklin Covey), who saw potential in him during his darkest season.
Andrew discovered how to help others move from survival to thriving, from playing defense to playing offense with their lives. From reconnecting with Xavier during his friend's divorce and flipping their mentor-mentee dynamic, to standing in the Virgin River at Zion National Park receiving divine inspiration to write a book that would later save a man's life, Andrew reveals how the right relationships at the right time don't just change your business trajectory but reshape your entire identity and calling. His approach cuts through years of traditional therapy in hours, helping clients rewire neural pathways and reconnect with who they truly are beneath the pain.
Andrew reflects on honoring the versions of ourselves that went through hard things, why most people are playing not to lose instead of playing to win, and how a single conversation can absolutely change the trajectory of a career, relationship, or life.
[00:04:42] What Andrew Does: Solving Problems Money Can't Solve
Shows up in three or four important roles each day
First as a son of God
Husband supporting wife who homeschools and does foot zoning
Father to seven children
[00:07:25] The Origin Story: Fourth Grade Playground
Met Lap, a Vietnamese student who spoke zero English
Became his playground buddy through the universal language of play
Lap helped Andrew with math; Andrew helped him with sports
First recognition of unique ability to see needs and show up for individuals
[00:10:50] The Unique Ability Discovery
References Dan Sullivan's Strategic Coach concept
Like Marcus Colius told Kevin: "This is the Holy Spirit working through you"
Unique abilities reveal themselves through stewardship, not searching
[00:16:06] The Transition: From Teaching to Coaching
Six years as a classroom teacher
Went through separation and divorce that felt like life was over
Lost career, marriage, and family simultaneously
Left teaching, sold real estate for one year, then started coaching agents
[00:20:00] Client Success Story: "Jared"
Nearly million-dollar business but struggling with drug addiction, porn addiction
Couldn't have children for several years, had hard time keeping money
Worked at deep unconscious level to find root causes of self-sabotage
Process took hours, not years - created new neural pathways
[00:24:33] Playing Offense vs. Defense
Andrew's 76-year-old dad's wisdom: "Play to win, don't play not to lose"
Most people in life are playing defense, trying to get out of pain
First day and a half with clients: playing defense but with love, not resistance
[00:27:37] Xavier: The 21-Year Friendship
Met in Belgium when Andrew was 19, Xavier was 28-29
Still FaceTimes to this day after 21 years
Has visited Andrew's home three times, supports his retreats
Andrew's best friend and coach for deepest heart and soul questions
[00:29:26] Kevin Hall: The Professional Catalyst
Met summer 2015 during Andrew's transition period
Former VP of Sales at Franklin Covey, worked with Stephen Covey
Author of "Aspire" teaching 10 powerful words
Saw something in 29-year-old Andrew during training event
Took Andrew under his wing in group coaching
[00:32:04] The Book That Saved a Life
Standing in Virgin River at Zion National Park at Kevin Hall's event
God said: "You're gonna write a book"
Title: "Strength of the Oak, Strength of the Willow"
Two things keeping him from suicide: the Bible and Andrew's book
KEY QUOTES
"Single conversation is guaranteed to change the trajectory of a career, a relationship, or a life. Any single conversation absolutely can." - Andrew Anderson (quoting Susan Scott)
"You need to honor and respect that version of you because you would not be doing what you're doing and helping who you're helping or anything without having gone through that experience." - Xavier (to Andrew)
"You gotta play to win. Don't play not to lose." - Andrew's 76-year-old dad
"It's really hard to move forward while you're looking back." - Andrew Anderson
"If you want to find yourself, you're gonna have to lose yourself. And if you're looking for happiness, the best way to find it is to give and do it unconditionally." - Andrew Anderson (referencing Jesus)
CONNECT WITH ANDREW ANDERSON
📱 Cell: 208-494-4497
🌐 Website: https://www.andrewlanderson.com
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewlanderson85
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