#18: 'Everyone Has a Different Mental Model of This World'

Ed from Georgia has spent much of his life helping people solve business problems, navigate uncertainty, and move forward with greater clarity. But in this episode, he shares something more personal: how his journey of getting to know himself more honestly, especially in midlife, helped him build stronger relationships with the people he loves most.

In this episode, I talk with Ed about what it means to "know thyself" in a way that is practical, humble, and deeply human. I really appreciate Ed's honesty about his own wiring, his inner critic (we all have one, and that's a good thing!), and the stories he's learned to question rather than simply accept as true.

Ed shares how tools such as the Enneagram and Kolbe helped him better understand how he naturally sees the world, takes action, and relates to others. He also reflects on the gift of midlife, the importance of curiosity, the challenge of staying open to change, and why human connection might become even more valuable in an age shaped by artificial intelligence.

His story is a great reminder that self-discovery allows us to see ourselves more clearly. And when we understand how we're wired, we can listen better, enjoy deeper relationships, and make more thoughtful choices about life.

Sincere thanks to Lee Williams for his fantastic production of this and every episode of Perennial Pen.

In this episode, we explore:

• Ed's reflections on beginning a deeper journey of self-discovery in midlife
• How the Enneagram helped him understand his wiring, motivations, and relationships
• Why knowing yourself can make you more empathetic toward the people closest to you
• What it means to notice the stories we tell ourselves — and decide whether they need rewriting
• How to change your relationship with your inner critic instead of trying to silence it
• The value of curiosity, listening, and being willing to be persuaded
• How midlife can become a meaningful season of reflection rather than regret
• Ed's thoughts on optimism, resilience, and learning to bet on yourself
• Why human connection might become even more important in the age of artificial intelligence

Reflection Question

What's one story you've been telling yourself about who you are, what you can do, or what your life is supposed to look like? What might change if you began to rewrite that story this week?

Connect with Ed Gandia

• Connect with Ed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edgandia/
• Learn more about Ed and B2B Launcher: https://b2blauncher.com/
• Listen to Ed's podcast: https://b2blauncher.com/category/podcast/

Call to Action

If you or someone you know has a meaningful, life-affirming story to share on Perennial Pen, email me at nate@silvermaplestrategies.com. I reply to every message personally!

Chronicle Your Loved One's Stories or Your Organization's Anniversary/Milestone

Would you like help preserving your loved one's amazing life stories? Is your business or nonprofit looking for a way to celebrate an important anniversary or milestone? My wife, Julie, and I can help you do that.

Learn more about our 90-day Perennial Pen engagement: https://www.silvermaplestrategies.com/perennial-pen-family-legacy-book