Impact with Eddie Wilson — Episode 45

Title: Your Life Is Too Distracted | 3 Principles That Create Real Impact
Date: December 23, 2025
Host: Eddie Wilson

Episode Overview

In this poignant solo episode, Eddie Wilson reflects on his personal journey of philanthropy, particularly focusing on his work with orphans through his nonprofit, Impact Others. Using the backdrop of a recent trip to Colombia and India and the launch of “Project Dakota”, Eddie traces the emotional roots of his mission and offers listeners three principles for creating real, lasting impact—especially as they plan for the new year. With moving anecdotes and actionable insights, he challenges listeners to live more intentionally, with direction, legacy, and depth.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Personal Journey & Why Orphans?

• Eddie recounts a recent trip to Colombia where he helped launch a new feeding center and potential orphanage in a marginalized area called Cafe Madrid ([01:30]–[06:00]).
• He discusses how witnessing hardship throughout his childhood—especially through the illness and eventual loss of his brother Dakota—inspired a lifelong drive to protect and support vulnerable children.
• Notable reflection:

  "As a young boy, watching that... it put inside of me some deep, deep desire and need to protect those who do not have protection, who don't have someone to stand up for themselves." ([08:30])

2. Genesis of “Project Dakota”

• Inspired by a challenge from community member Kim Bowman to commemorate his brother, Eddie created Project Dakota, aiming to give Christmas experiences to orphans globally ([12:10]–[17:15]).
• The Aspire community rallied, raising enough to support 17,000 orphans with a Christmas morning, aspiring for even more.
• Eddie led toy drives in the US and mobilized partners around the world.
• Emotional context:

  "To be able to commemorate my brother in a way of bringing Christmas morning and the Christmas story to thousands and thousands of orphans around the world has been amazing." ([15:40])

3. Firsthand Experience in India

• Eddie shares a vivid story from Madurai, India, distributing gifts and necessities to 1,200–1,500 children ([18:10]–[27:30]).
• He describes the resourcefulness of local staff, the children’s joy, and a powerful moment when orphans sang “Silent Night” after receiving their gifts ([27:00]):

  "There's just something different about watching orphans... who had never been cared for before in that way, sing Silent Night... and you just wondered, how many times in their life have they ever received something that gave them hope?" ([28:30])

4. Principles for Real Impact

• Direction Over Distraction ([31:00]):
  Eddie emphasizes choosing clear, intentional action over busyness and scattered efforts.

  "Impact isn't scattered effort... Focus isn't just about saying yes to the right things. It's about saying no to everything else."

• Build What Outlives Me ([33:30]):
  He encourages listeners to focus on legacy, not fleeting projects or social media validation.

  "Impact is measured in legacy, not in likes. It's not about how many people see these orphans being fed or educated... It's how many children did we impact, and do we have the ability to continue to sustain that impact over time."

• Depth Before Width ([35:10]):
  True impact grows from deep connections and purpose, not merely spreading oneself thin.

  "True impact starts beneath the surface with alignment, character, and purpose. Without depth, our growth will collapse under pressure."

5. Year-End Challenge & Application

• Eddie invites listeners to carry these principles into 2026—challenging them to plan for impact, not just ambition ([38:00]):
  • Impact your employees by inspiring greatness.
  • Serve your customers and community with meaningful purpose.
  • Reach outside your organization to the broader world.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On discovering personal purpose:

  "Sometimes in our life, we don't know why we do what we do, we just do it. It's a natural part of who we are." ([04:20])

• On loss and empathy:

  "I watched the world love my brother and then watch them reject my brother." ([08:00])

• On Project Dakota’s vision:

  "It was about trying to bring that feeling to children around the world, that today, because of who you are and because somebody cares for you, it gives you hope that tomorrow is going to be a better day." ([29:20])

• On the true meaning of impact:

  "Business is not about being successful. It's about being successful and also feeling the success that you've created. And the only way to do that is through impacting others." ([40:10])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:30] – The story of the Colombian orphanage & trip context
• [08:00] – Family loss and motivations for helping orphans
• [12:10] – Kim Bowman’s challenge and the idea for Project Dakota
• [15:40] – Significance of Christmas for orphans and Project Dakota’s launch
• [18:10] – Distribution of gifts in India—local stories and children’s reactions
• [27:00] – “Silent Night” sung by Indian orphans; Eddie’s emotional reaction
• [31:00] – Three principles for real impact: direction, legacy, depth
• [38:00] – Practical challenges for listeners in 2026

Structure Summary

- Introduction: Reflection on the year, Impact Others update, personal motivations ([00:00]–[16:00])

- Storytelling: Experiences in Colombia and India, launching Project Dakota ([16:00]–[30:00])

- Key Principles: Eddie’s three rules for creating impact ([31:00]–[36:30])

- Practical Application: How listeners can plan for purposeful impact in the new year ([37:00]–end)

Takeaway

Eddie Wilson delivers a heartfelt, actionable episode that blends personal experience with universal lessons. He challenges listeners to cut through distraction, focus on legacy, and deepen their commitment—making 2026 a year defined not by busyness, but by real, intentional impact.