Galen Hair: Embracing Purpose
Have you transcended the transactional? Host Chris Schembra’s guest on this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times embodies the abundance that flows from giving without the constant expectation of receiving in return. Galen Hair, a highly successful plaintiff’s attorney, speaker, author and podcaster, has built his practice around a purpose-driven approach to both law and service. The outcome? Prosperity, yes. But yet more importantly Galen and his team at Insurance Claim HQ are working for clients they believe in arguing cases with merit. They come from a place of gratitude and, as Galen explains, “I find that when you give something without expecting anything you tend to get much better stuff in return.” In this case, we’re talking about the huge impacts his firm of 119 employees with more than $30 million in annual revenue is making on behalf of 10,000 clients. You’ll learn how his involvement with Hurricane Katrina clean-up in New Orleans foreshadowed the meaning-infused work Galen would go on to do as an attorney representing those who have been wronged and evolving his industry’s mindset through platforms such as his Level Up Claims Summit, the nation’s No. 1 property casualty conference, which takes place this year on June 9th in New Orleans. Click here to learn more and register!
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KEY TOPICS:
If you could give credit or thanks to one person in your life that you don’t give enough credit or enough thanks to – that you’ve never thought to thank – who would that be? How a music teacher at his Texas public school went above and beyond to impact Galen’s life artistically, emotionally and financially.
Giving for the Sake of Giving: Why life can be looked at like a series of bank accounts from which we draw and replenish at any given time – and often to the benefit of all.
In the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina: About Galen’s intimate involvement with both the horror and generosity that rocked New Orleans – diving in with no real skill set (he’d been training as an opera singer) but a huge amount of heart.
Embracing Purpose: How Galen refocused his career, creating a legal “practice with a purpose” that combined his desire to do good with an ability to earn a secure income.
How to Practice Law with Integrity:
Take cases that make sense for you – not your bank account.
Remember that you’re a lawyer, but also an individual.
Take cases for people and causes in which you believe.
Don’t worry about the rest of it!
Staying on Task: Even when building a venture feels challenging, it’s easier to remain focused and disciplined when the big picture feels right.
Timing and the Universe: Galen recalls how a life-changing case fell into his lap in the space of a day in which he’d suffered an acute panic attack about his firm’s viability.
Building Community: How Galen’s Level Up Claims Summit and podcast have helped people within the legal industry connect and inspire gratitude among one another.
The Proverbial Silver Lining:
Remember that seemingly negative things can yield positive impacts.
Recognize tools available to meet challenges today versus in the past.
Use gratitude as a vehicle to leverage lessons learned.
Parting Thought: Why Galen holds special admiration and gratitude for Chris, who has been there at pivotal moments to help him with the mindset he needed to adopt!
The Bookkeeping of Benefits: Chris honors the act of kindness and vote of faith Galen placed in him and his company in the midst of Covid19.
QUOTABLE
“I came from a tumultuous family environment and one of the things that I discovered as an adult is that my family’s survival was not an accident. We were really lucky to have people help us out.” (Galen )
“We’re often really guilty of paying attention to our financial bank account and not the people we love or the things we have around us.” (Galen)
“The good news about gratitude is that it doesn’t always have to be given back. Sometimes it can be paid forward.” (Chris)
“You can pump up that bank account as fat as you want it but you will not be fulfilled if what you’re doing isn’t bringing you some sense of purpose.” (Galen)
“As a leader, take care of yourself as much as what you are building. People are what’s behind the business.” (Chris)
“I find that when you give something without expecting anything you tend to get much better stuff in return.” (Galen)
“You have in some way, shape or form – intentionally or unintentionally – helped me adopt a mindset that was going to be necessary for what was coming next.” (Galen)
“The people on your team, the people that you serve, are counting on you to lead with integrity, hope, optimism and connection. Be there for them when they need it most!” (Chris)
LINKS/FURTHER RESOURCES:
Bader Scott Injury Lawyers in Atlanta.
More about Mike and Jessica Magill’s Crisp coaching program.
More about the Student Hurricane Network.
Learn more or purchase tickets for this year’s Level Up Claims Summit.
Stoic quotes about the peril of ingratitude from Lucius Seneca.
The work of gratitude researcher/author Adam Grant, featured in his book "Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success."
"Lonely at the Top: The High Cost of Men's Success," by Thomas E. Joyner.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Galen M. Hair, an aggressive and relentless litigator, is licensed in multiple states and boasts clients from around the world. He focuses not only on the litigation in front of the client, but the long-term personal and business effects that his clients’ issues will cause. A best-selling author, he has already helped thousands of policyholders navigate their own insurance claims. He’s a national speaker on all areas of insurance recovery and has won numerous accolades, stays active in non-profits and the community at large. He also is an Assistant Examiner for the Louisiana Bar Exam in Constitutional Law.
FOLLOW GALEN:
WEBSITE | LINKEDIN | CONFERENCE| PODCAST
ABOUT OUR HOST:
Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours,"he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times.
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