In this Grownlearn conversation, I sat down with John Knowlton, a former jail chaplain who went on to co-found and scale a wealth management firm to over $1 billion in assets—and then chose to walk away to pursue a deeper calling.
John shares some of the pivotal moments that shaped his path—from working with inmates in DuPage County Jail to leading a billion-dollar financial advisory firm, and now mentoring Christian CEOs through the C12 Group. We talk about how our thinking shapes our outcomes, what success really means, and how service can be a growth strategy—both in business and in life.
He also gives us a peek into his upcoming book, Thinking for Success, a collection of stories designed to spark better thinking and deeper purpose.
If you're building something meaningful—or trying to figure out what that even looks like—this one will speak to you.
👉 More from John at AbundantThoughtRevolution.com
Want to unlock the secrets of business growth and transformation?📺 Explore our curated playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTJlaeHk03J0lwEsQYIZ1wpaqJrxJYa28
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About Grownlearn:
Welcome to GrowNLearn, where innovation meets expertise in business growth, business transformation, and leadership development. We empower entrepreneurs and business leaders with data-driven insights and tailored strategies that drive success. Whether you’re looking to scale your business, develop a success mindset, or learn how to grow a startup, GrowNLearn is your trusted partner in navigating today’s competitive market.
Connect with Us:
Website: https://grownlearn.org/
Podcast Page: https://grownlearn.onpodium.com/
Apple Podcast/i-tunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/at/podcast/grownlearn/id1515759956
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/grownlearn
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1bUIDGbSQl4BlHeNeeJfva
Follow Us on Social Media:
Linkedin Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grownlearn
X.com: https://x.com/grownlearn1729
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@healnlearn_grownlearn
IG: https://www.instagram.com/healnlearn_grownlearn/
HealnLearn Channel - Success Mindset: /@healnlearnLinkedIn: /grownlearn X (Twitter): https://x.com/grownlearn1729 TikTok: /healnlearn_grownlearn Instagram: /healnlearn_grownlearn
HealnLearn Channel - Success Mindset: /@healnlearn
Additional Resources FREE LinkedIn Profile Audit: 👉 https://ps.linkedvanow.com/r5wgf
AI-Powered Lead Generation: Create a constant inflow of qualified leads with our advanced AI tools paired with expert human lead nurturing: 👉 https://ps.linkedvanow.com/tjnia9mrkt85
00:01:20-00:04:21: Jail Chaplain’s Life Impact Insights
John shares how his time as a jail chaplain shaped his perspective on how personal thinking determines life outcomes—even for those from the same starting point.
00:04:22-00:08:48: Gifts, Service, and Success Pathways
00:08:49-00:12:50: Strategic Growth in Financial Advisory
00:12:51-00:16:01: Storytelling for Leadership Development
00:16:02-00:19:53: Christian Business Leadership Transition
00:19:54-00:23:14: True Greatness Through Selfless Service
00:23:15-00:26:30: Christian Business Collaboration & Impact
00:26:31-00:30:58: Josh’s Redemption Through the Trades
00:30:59-00:34:58: Family Wealth and Shared Governance
00:34:59-00:38:00: Books, Followership & Abundant Thought
John shares some of the pivotal moments that shaped his path—from working with inmates in DuPage County Jail to leading a billion-dollar financial advisory firm, and now mentoring Christian CEOs through the C12 Group. We talk about how our thinking shapes our outcomes, what success really means, and how service can be a growth strategy—both in business and in life.
He also gives us a peek into his upcoming book, Thinking for Success, a collection of stories designed to spark better thinking and deeper purpose.
If you're building something meaningful—or trying to figure out what that even looks like—this one will speak to you.
👉 More from John at AbundantThoughtRevolution.com
Want to unlock the secrets of business growth and transformation?📺 Explore our curated playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTJlaeHk03J0lwEsQYIZ1wpaqJrxJYa28
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About Grownlearn:
Welcome to GrowNLearn, where innovation meets expertise in business growth, business transformation, and leadership development. We empower entrepreneurs and business leaders with data-driven insights and tailored strategies that drive success. Whether you’re looking to scale your business, develop a success mindset, or learn how to grow a startup, GrowNLearn is your trusted partner in navigating today’s competitive market.
Connect with Us:
Website: https://grownlearn.org/
Podcast Page: https://grownlearn.onpodium.com/
Apple Podcast/i-tunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/at/podcast/grownlearn/id1515759956
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/grownlearn
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1bUIDGbSQl4BlHeNeeJfva
Follow Us on Social Media:
Linkedin Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grownlearn
X.com: https://x.com/grownlearn1729
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@healnlearn_grownlearn
IG: https://www.instagram.com/healnlearn_grownlearn/
HealnLearn Channel - Success Mindset: /@healnlearnLinkedIn: /grownlearn X (Twitter): https://x.com/grownlearn1729 TikTok: /healnlearn_grownlearn Instagram: /healnlearn_grownlearn
HealnLearn Channel - Success Mindset: /@healnlearn
Additional Resources FREE LinkedIn Profile Audit: 👉 https://ps.linkedvanow.com/r5wgf
AI-Powered Lead Generation: Create a constant inflow of qualified leads with our advanced AI tools paired with expert human lead nurturing: 👉 https://ps.linkedvanow.com/tjnia9mrkt85
00:01:20-00:04:21: Jail Chaplain’s Life Impact Insights
John shares how his time as a jail chaplain shaped his perspective on how personal thinking determines life outcomes—even for those from the same starting point.
00:04:22-00:08:48: Gifts, Service, and Success Pathways
00:08:49-00:12:50: Strategic Growth in Financial Advisory
00:12:51-00:16:01: Storytelling for Leadership Development
00:16:02-00:19:53: Christian Business Leadership Transition
00:19:54-00:23:14: True Greatness Through Selfless Service
00:23:15-00:26:30: Christian Business Collaboration & Impact
00:26:31-00:30:58: Josh’s Redemption Through the Trades
00:30:59-00:34:58: Family Wealth and Shared Governance
00:34:59-00:38:00: Books, Followership & Abundant Thought
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