The first time I met Philip McKernan was in Boston at a SaaS Boardroom Intensive, an entrepreneurial seminar.
From the stage, he asked a 35-year-old SaaS founder why he carried the stress of an $11M payroll.
The confident Brooklyn entrepreneur answered without hesitation, “This business is my tribute to my father, who recently passed.”
Philip, with his heavy Irish accent, didn’t miss a beat.
“I don’t know you. I just met you. But I call BBQSauce*.”
*KC Conway’s word instead of cussing.
If the audience wasn’t leaning in before, they were now. He had their 100% attention.
The anger on the Brooklyn founder’s face was instant and palpable. Understandable, he’d just been challenged. Or so it seemed.
No one else wanted to go next.
Being me, I raised my hand.
It went exactly how you’d imagine.
That’s Philip’s gift, an interrogation-like, raw, intuitive, psychological divining rod that hunts for the truth. It’s not for everyone.
Philip often spoke about the three mountains: the first and second are your big personal or professional achievements: career, having a family, building a business.
The third is your societal give back.
He believes your deepest scar is also your greatest superpower in service to others.
The Second Time
The second time I met Philip was at his castle in western Ireland, just south of Galway Bay.
My wife was thrilled to go. I… was not.
I even had to Zoom interview with Philip before he’d let me attend. He didn’t want couples coming if one was just tagging along. He wanted people all in, ready to show up fully.
Fifteen other entrepreneurs from around the world joined for a week-long BraveSoul session (https://philipmckernan.com/). Think group therapy meets adventure retreat.
Philip’s style is hard to define. The closest I’ve come: Liam Neeson’s presence, Conor McGregor’s fire and Oprah Winfrey’s depth.
His own description? Speaker, author, enlightened hooligan.
Super interesting week. Lots of introspection exercises sessions at his restored 500-year old castle, nature walks, pubs, cold Atlantic plunges, played Gaelic football and walked the Cliffs of Moher (unfortunately with hurricane-like winds).
By the end, we’d forged lifelong friendships.
The Third Time
The third time I met Philip was deep in Peru’s Amazon rainforest.
This was BraveAdventure, a week of activities with no published agenda. The introspection was lighter than BraveSoul but still central.
The rest was pure experience: fishing then eating piranha, boat trips and swimming in the Amazon and endless conversations in our tree canopy and later riverboat accommodations.
By my third meeting with Philip, one thing was clear: my third mountain.
RESET Men 50+ is my personal project and life-coaching style program aimed at helping men over 50 who’ve given up on their health regain energy, fitness and purpose.
Too many men lose their drive when the kids are gone. Retirement only amplifies it.
The loss of purpose quietly morphs into isolation, then potentially depression, leading to serious medical issues.
It doesn’t have to be that way.
Rewrite your script. Exercise, eat like you care and build a strong health mindset.
Our industry’s average age is no secret. Too many of us have let health slip.
I’m offering, at no cost to any appraiser, help to regain your energy, fitness and purpose.
Designed for men, but open to anyone in the appraisal field.
If that’s you…then reach out. Jeff@realwired.com or 813-230-3798 cell.
As Philip often says, “Be brave. You matter.”