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Episode Overview

What does it mean to live a life worth talking about?

In this deeply moving and soul-stirring episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra invites us into an extraordinary conversation with Seth Dechtman, a man whose journey has been defined not by fame or fanfare, but by grit, love, listening, and legacy.

The story begins with a question Chris has asked to thousands of people: Who is one person you’ve never thought to thank? Seth doesn’t hesitate, he honors his mother, Lenore, a woman who raised four children alone after the sudden passing of her husband. In Seth’s words, her life was a masterclass in grace, humility, and strength. Her resilience wasn’t loud, it was deliberate. Her courage wasn’t showy, it was sacred. That tribute sets the tone for everything that follows.

From there, we follow Seth’s winding journey from a paperboy in New Jersey to an international basketball coach in Venezuela, from assisting coaching legends to curating keynotes for some of the biggest brands in the world. Along the way, we hear about the founding of Planet Basketball, how it was never meant to be a business, but rather an invitation to create joy, connection, and opportunity through sport.

But this episode isn’t about basketball. It’s about what it takes to create something from nothing. It’s about choosing to see life as a blank canvas every single day, even when the world hands you a palette of pain. It’s about knowing that every person you meet, every speaker you book, every player you coach, every child you raise, is a chance to serve, elevate, and love.

Seth shares a refreshing vulnerability rarely heard from someone in the world of high-stakes events and corporate keynotes. He admits that wisdom doesn’t come from reading books or attending conferences. It comes from falling off the bike. From saying the wrong thing. From getting back up, and listening harder the next time.

Chris and Seth explore what it means to build a winning mindset, not the kind that craves podiums or applause, but the kind that recognizes victory in perseverance, curiosity, and meaningful connection. They dive into the power of words, how to unlearn ego, and the responsibility we all have to acknowledge those who have shaped us.

The stories are rich. The lessons are layered. And the message is clear: You didn’t get here alone. And there is a village, a legacy, and a lineage of love standing behind your every success.

Whether you're a parent, a coach, an entrepreneur, or someone simply trying to make sense of your next chapter. This episode is a reminder that life is an adventure, and every day is a new chance to choose love, gratitude, and growth.

10 Key Takeaways

1. Gratitude is Transformational: Seth’s tribute to his mother, Lenore, reminds us that gratitude isn’t just a mindset, it’s a guiding compass through life’s toughest moments.
2. Create from the Blank Canvas: Each day is a fresh opportunity to create something meaningful. You don’t need to be perfect, you just need to begin.
3. Adversity Builds Legacy: From losing his father as a teen to rebuilding life in Denver, Seth’s story exemplifies how adversity can become the soil where resilience grows.
4. Winning Is the Journey: It’s not about the podium, it’s about the process, the teammates, and the heart you put into every step of the climb.
5. Words Hold Power: The words we use can either uplift or damage. Seth urges us to speak with intention, because “if you're casual with your words, you cause casualties.”
6. Leadership Is Love in Action: Whether booking a speaker or raising a child, Seth’s ethos is simple: lead with love, and the results will follow.
7. Life Imitates Sport: Lessons from the basketball court—discipline, coaching, failure, teamwork—show up in business and life in powerful ways.
8. Legacy Is Found in Service: The most successful people Seth works with are those who serve others first. Greatness is built in the agency of others.
9. Wisdom Comes from Doing: You can’t read your way into experience. You must live it. Bite the apple. Fall off the bike. Get back up.
10. Give It All Away: In a world full of secrets and ego, Seth lives by the philosophy of radical generosity. “Give everything. That’s where the magic lives.”

10 Memorable Quotes  

“Life is a work of art, but you don’t have to be a Picasso.”  

“If you’re casual with your words, you cause casualties.”  

“Her inner strength was grace, humility, and the ability to show weakness.”  

“Sales doesn’t solve everything. Wisdom does.”  

“You wake up every day with a blank canvas, what you paint is up to you.”  

“Love is the only virtue that has no extreme.” - Felipe Gomez  

“The greatness in your life is in the agency of others.”  

“There’s no losing, only learning. There’s no failing, only growth.”  

“Bite the apple and fall off your bike. That’s how you know you’re alive.”  

“The world gives you data. Wisdom is choosing what to do with it.” 

Guest Bio: Seth Dechtman  

Seth Dechtman is the founder of The Keynote Curators, a keynote speaker agency dedicated  to matching world-class speakers with world-class events. With over 17 years of experience in  the speaking industry, Seth has worked with iconic brands like Apple, Microsoft, Ford,  Coca-Cola, and more.  

Seth’s approach isn’t just about finding speakers, it’s about curating transformational experiences. Whether rescuing a last-minute event or crafting VIP magic, his work is grounded in trust, wisdom, and results.  

Contact: info@thekeynotecurators.com

Call to Action  

If this episode moved you, take a moment to thank someone who’s helped shape your journey.  Reflect on the people behind your success and let them know their impact matters.  

Share this episode with a friend, mentor, coach, or parent.  

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