EnterpriseZone.cc Connecting Global Leaders
Mark Aylward uses his position as a staffing entrepreneur to help people improve the quality of their lives.
What’s your story?
I am a proud single father of 3 beautiful children and a lifelong staffing entrepreneur. I moved into the industry when I discovered I was going to be a father. I discovered the calling in conversation with my mother’s best friend’s new husband by random chance and I just knew. I also enjoy exercise, breathing deeply and meditation. I am currently sharing my expertise with anyone who needs it, which happens to be most people. 🙂
What excites you most about your industry?
We get to help people move from a place of discontent, worry, anger and fear to a place of hope and confidence. We get to explore the human condition and make good money doing it. And the industry will be here forever.
What drives you in your career to push beyond what other people consider normal?
I feel a real obligation to serve other people. The world is suffering from a dearth of leadership and many people are wandering without direction or purpose. I’m blessed with 30 years of experience helping people find meaningful work. I’m convinced this is why I’m here and what I’m meant to do.
What have been the most useful skills you have learnt and applied in your journey?
Awareness. Paying attention to what is going on around you so you don’t miss opportunities.
Active listening. Listening to what is actually being said, not just the words.
Empathy. Understanding the challenges and motivations of others.
Communication. The ability to convey a specific and clear message that moves people to action.
Resilience. Life is not fair so be prepared for challenges and get past them.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Get credit when you can, not when you need it. My mentor told me this as he was helping me accrue wealth. I went out and got a $150,000 line of credit on my home and it saved my ass a few years later.
Who inspires you?
My father. He’s 94 years old and takes no prescription medication, drives his own car and shops for his own groceries. He attends church daily and is an example of how much peace of mind depends on self love, simplicity, consistency, not comparing, ignoring and surrounding yourself with happy people.
What have you learnt recently that blew you away?
That you actually can reshape your self image through consistent focused visualization and self storytelling as if you are already the new image you want to be.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I would have fired my divorce attorney earlier, but I thought I was too deep in to start over and I was scared and angry so not terribly objective. Don’t make big decisions from a position of emotion.
How do you unwind?
I love to walk and/or do yard work outside in the sun. I also have a daily routine that involves breathing, meditation and stretching/yoga. Now that my kids are older, it’s usually relaxing to hang with them too. 🙂
What is a major mindset change, belief shift or ‘ah ha’ moment that you’ve experienced in relation to your career?
I have recently begun to incorporate spirituality into my business. I focus on growing with joy and ease by connecting to my Higher Power without pushing a religious message. This involves Vision, Flow, and Surrender… three universal spiritual principles taught throughout history.
Everyone in business should read this book:
Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss
Shameless plug for your business:
I bring 30 years of experience as a staffing owner/operator/entrepreneur and 61 years of life experience to my career coaching practice. My unique approach leans on empathy, active listening skills and authenticity. I get personal and build relationships with my clients. I give practical advice without being condescending.
How can people connect with you?
Social Media Links?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aylwardmark/
This interview is part of the CallumConnects series.
