Chapter X with Michael Kay

Episode 23 – Tom Ackerman

March 10, 2021

How well do you connect with other people? If you don’t feel comfortable with the idea of building strong social connections and community, you’re not alone. 

Forging solid, deep ties with others can be an especially tough obstacle for men who’ve spent the better part of their lives competing against each other. Yet we are innately human. We all crave feeling supported, valued, and understood. 

According to today’s guest, our need for friendships becomes even more powerful in the next chapter. Today you’ll hear from Tom Ackerman, a man who has devoted his life to helping people. 

With his optimistic and thoughtful outlook, Tom has a unique talent of putting other people first and building meaningful connections between others. In this episode, you’ll discover how his 76 trips around the sun have fostered love, light, and caring for those in need. 

We covered:

  • What working in the insurance industry taught Tom about helping families
  • The surprising reason why insurance agents get a bad reputation
  • How the “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” changed Tom’s life
  • The easiest way to open the door for connection and meaningful conversation
  • Why the ability to listen—and open up—to others take courage
  • How Tom launched a special discussion group for men to build community
  • Tom’s advice for connecting with people (even if it makes you feel uncomfortable)