Podcast Summary: Chief Change Officer Episode #372 – Building a Life (and Career) on Everyday Generosity — Part Two

Release Date: May 16, 2025

Introduction

In episode #372 of Chief Change Officer, host Vince Chen continues his two-part conversation with Monty Wood, author of Generosity Wins and former CEO of Opus Agency. This episode delves deeper into the concept of generosity, exploring its true essence, the common misconceptions surrounding it, and practical ways to cultivate a generosity mindset in everyday life.

Exploring What Generosity Isn't

The episode kicks off with Vince probing Monty to define not just what generosity is, but equally important, what it isn't. Monty shares a nuanced perspective by referencing his experiences with iconic leaders like Steve Jobs.

Monty Wood [05:33]:
"Steve Jobs… was not a kind person. I sat in rooms and watched him berate other people and do it in a very inconsiderate and unkind way. But his generosity, his focus of generosity was to change the world and make it a better place."

Monty emphasizes that while Jobs might not have embodied social generosity, his overarching goal was to empower others through technology. This distinction highlights that generosity can manifest in various forms and isn't limited to interpersonal kindness alone.

He further contrasts Jobs with other leaders like John Chambers and Andy Jassy, who, despite some interpersonal shortcomings, demonstrated genuine generosity by fostering success for others.

The Decline of Generosity in Society

Vince Chen raises a critical question about the erosion of generosity in today's world, prompting Monty to analyze societal factors contributing to this decline.

Monty Wood [08:56]:
"I think that greed is a big part of it.… powerful entities and people who are using divide, who are using conflict and creating conflict amongst parties to line their own pockets with money."

Monty identifies greed and divisive media as major culprits undermining generosity. He criticizes the current media landscape for prioritizing opinion over objective reporting, which fosters conflict and reduces collaborative efforts. Despite these challenges, Monty remains hopeful, acknowledging the rise of "consciousness and generosity" among some powerful individuals aiming to foster collaboration and mutual respect.

Vince adds to this by discussing the impact of social media and technology on genuine human connections:

Vince Chen [11:00]:
"With technology, connectivity does not equal connection. We think that having friends or followers means we are connected in quotation, but that's not true."

He points out that superficial interactions online often replace deep, meaningful relationships, making everyday generosity harder to practice.

Optimism About Rebuilding a Generous Society

Despite acknowledging the setbacks, Monty exudes optimism about the potential to restore and enhance generosity in society.

Monty Wood [17:31]:
"The optimism I share with people is a gift. It's a gift that maybe they walk away from me and are more hopeful and more positive in the next engagement that they have in life."

Monty believes that fostering optimism through genuine interactions can inspire others to embrace generosity, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

Vince echoes this sentiment by reflecting on his own experiences with generous leaders who have significantly impacted his career and personal growth.

Practical Tips for Cultivating a Generosity Mindset

Shifting from theory to practice, Vince seeks actionable advice from Monty on how individuals can develop and maintain a generosity mindset.

Monty Wood [19:14]:
"I keep a journal, and in that journal I document some form of generosity and some form of appreciation every single day.… It’s just like anything else in life. If you practice it, you will get better at it."

Monty's primary recommendation is daily journaling to track acts of generosity and appreciation. He suggests starting with a 30-day commitment to build the habit, which can then naturally extend into a lifelong practice. By consistently recognizing and acting on opportunities to be generous—whether through sharing optimism, offering a smile, or actively listening—individuals can integrate generosity into their daily routines.

Vince adds a complementary technique:

Vince Chen [21:08]:
"I think it's really beneficial to use a notebook and pen instead of typing on your phone. Studies show that the act of writing by hand helps with analyzing, filtering, and clarifying thoughts."

He advocates for the tangible process of handwriting, which can enhance mental clarity and foster a deeper connection to the act of generosity.

Monty concurs, emphasizing the importance of consistency and self-generosity:

Monty Wood [22:47]:
"The hardest thing in life is doing anything consistently. So I have done it consistently for 600 days every day."

He also highlights the significance of being generous to oneself, ensuring that the practice remains sustainable and personally fulfilling.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a mutual acknowledgment of the transformative power of generosity. Monty expresses his hope and commitment to spreading generosity, while Vince reflects on the profound impact generous leaders have had on his journey.

Monty Wood [25:26]:
"It's been a pleasure chatting with you. I think you have a generous spirit and I appreciate that."

Vince encourages listeners to subscribe, leave reviews, and engage with the community to continue fostering a culture of generosity.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Generosity: Generosity is multifaceted, encompassing both grand visions to improve the world and everyday acts of kindness.

2. Barriers to Generosity: Societal greed, divisive media, and superficial online connections hinder the practice of genuine generosity.

3. Cultivating Generosity: Daily practices such as journaling and mindful interactions can help individuals develop a consistent generosity mindset.

4. Optimism and Impact: Maintaining an optimistic outlook and fostering positive interactions can inspire broader societal shifts toward generosity.

Notable Quotes:

• Monty Wood [05:33]:
  "Steve Jobs… was not a kind person. I sat in rooms and watched him berate other people and do it in a very inconsiderate and unkind way. But his generosity, his focus of generosity was to change the world and make it a better place."

• Monty Wood [08:56]:
  "I think that greed is a big part of it.… powerful entities and people who are using divide, who are using conflict and creating conflict amongst parties to line their own pockets with money."

• Monty Wood [19:14]:
  "If you practice it, you will get better at it. You'll find a thousand ways that you can be generous."

• Vince Chen [21:08]:
  "Studies show that the act of writing by hand helps with analyzing, filtering, and clarifying thoughts, which can really benefit mental health."

Join the Conversation

With over 130,000 followers worldwide, Chief Change Officer invites listeners to engage on LinkedIn, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube @chiefchangeofficer. Embrace generosity and transform your life and career by tuning into real, experience-driven wisdom from the world's most extraordinary thinkers and doers.