In this episode of Men of Influence, host Tim Holloway welcomes David Good, who shares his transformative journey through loss, grief, and social challenges to become a global connector of people. Diagnosed with Asperger’s last year, David reflects on overcoming severe bullying, a career-ending car accident, and treatment-resistant depression following family losses in 2010. Hitting rock bottom in 2011, he found resilience through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS), which helped him rebuild his life and discover a purpose in connecting others. From founding West Michigan Geeks to launching 47 global meetup chapters during the COVID lockdown, David’s story culminated in being recognized as a Point of Light by the George H.W. Bush Points of Light organization.
David emphasizes building psychological resilience by identifying a “why” stronger than pain, using mindfulness and grounding techniques to manage intense emotions, and celebrating small wins to counter negative thinking. He shares his “Friend Magnet Instant Connection Formula,” which uses feel-good questions and active listening to build rapport quickly. For men struggling with isolation or social anxiety, David advocates starting small by attending local meetups, embracing discomfort, and listening actively to foster meaningful connections. His mission now focuses on teaching soft skills to IT workers, helping them communicate effectively and manage emotions to thrive in professional and personal settings.
Key Takeaways:
Resilience Through Purpose: Find a “why” bigger than your pain to push through adversity, using tools like ACT for mindfulness and IFS to address subconscious barriers.
Connection Over Isolation: Combat loneliness by attending small local events, starting with simple interactions, and using active listening to build relationships.
Friend Magnet Formula: Ask open-ended, feel-good questions and listen actively to create positive emotional associations and foster quick connections.
Celebrate Small Wins: Counter negative thinking by acknowledging every small victory, as supportive relationships are key to longevity and resilience.
Actionable Step: Join a local meetup or Facebook group event with 20 or fewer people, say hi to the organizer, and practice asking one feel-good question like, “What have you been doing for fun lately?”
“Your purpose will find you if you do the work. Celebrate every small win to combat negativity and build resilience.” - David Good
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