Podcast Episode Details

Felipe Gomez: The Beauty of Listening

Episode 254

Welcome to a soul-stirring episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times with your host, Chris Schembra. Set against the festive backdrop of New York City during the holiday season, this conversation is an inspiring reminder of the power of gratitude, connection, and intentional living. Joining Chris is Felipe Gómez, a world-renowned thought leader, virtuoso pianist, and keynote speaker who has captivated audiences across 33 countries with his unique blend of music and leadership insights.

Felipe’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From his early days learning piano under a patient and dedicated teacher to delivering over 1,000 electrifying performances on global stages, Felipe’s life is a testament to the power of passion and purpose. As a speaker, he combines ancient philosophies, modern leadership principles, and his prodigious musical talent to create experiences that resonate deeply with audiences. In this episode, Felipe and Chris unpack timeless lessons on gratitude, love, learning, and leadership, offering listeners a playbook for transformational living.

Chris kicks off the episode with his signature warmth, reminding us all of the magic of small moments and the power of shared experiences. Felipe’s reflections on his first piano teacher, Clara Lucia Sanchez, lay the foundation for a conversation that seamlessly weaves personal stories with actionable insights. Together, Chris and Felipe explore themes like the tension and release of life, the science of gratitude, and the profound impact of small, intentional choices.

Felipe’s philosophy is rooted in Aristotle’s golden mean—the balance between excess and deficiency—and he brings this ancient wisdom to life with practical examples and heartfelt anecdotes. He also highlights the transformative power of listening, encouraging leaders to embrace questions like “Tell me more” and “How can I help?” to build trust, empathy, and connection. Throughout the episode, Felipe and Chris demonstrate how gratitude, music, and human connection can serve as antidotes to a world often consumed by division and distraction.

As they close out the conversation, Chris and Felipe share their vision for a live event series that combines their passions—food, music, and leadership—to inspire and unite communities. This episode is a masterclass in finding beauty in the everyday, cultivating resilience, and making the choice to live with gratitude and purpose.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Felipe reflects on the life-changing impact of his first piano teacher and how her dedication inspired his lifelong love of music.
• Chris and Felipe explore the golden mean, Aristotle’s philosophy of balance, and how it applies to modern leadership and life.
• The importance of listening as a leadership skill is unpacked, with Felipe urging listeners to ask powerful questions like “Tell me more.”
• Chris shares the science of gratitude, detailing how it improves physical health, mental resilience, and overall happiness.
• Felipe draws a parallel between life and music, emphasizing the rhythm of tension and release as essential for growth and harmony.
• Together, they discuss how small, daily choices to learn, love, and explore can lead to a more meaningful and joyful life.

Notable Quotes:

• "Gratitude is the bridge between where we are and where we want to be." – Chris Schembra
• "We are designed to learn, to explore, and to love—every day is a chance to do all three." – Felipe Gómez
• "The most profound moments of joy come when we serve others, not ourselves." – Felipe Gómez
• "Ingratitude is the seed of all wickedness—it’s time we turn it into gratitude and growth." – Chris Schembra
• "Listening is an act of love, and it opens the door to empathy, understanding, and trust." – Felipe Gómez
• "Tension i

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  Published on 8 months, 4 weeks ago