Rondavid Gold (aka Shanti’s Dad) Returns from Vietnam With an Unshakable Belief in Fate - A Story of Optimism, Presence and Gratitude

In this episode, Shanti gratefully chats with her Dad, Rondavid Gold (he/him). Their conversation centers around multiple stories during his time on active duty in the Vietnam War that took unexpected twists - and ultimately saved his life. These experiences shaped Rondavid’s understanding that fate plays a powerful role and determines our path. This fatalism - coupled with optimism - freed him to accept what life had in store, let go of control of outcomes, take risks, be present in the moment, do his best - and enjoy the ride. He shares tales and lessons from his career in advertising, including the wisdom that allowed him to remain grounded as he successfully navigated career lows and highs. Shanti and her Dad, as per usual, share philosophical musings, laughter, love, warm memories of times spent together - and an appreciation of the importance of humor and gratitude.

Rondavid Gold is a retired ad guy who spent 50 years as a copywriter, partner and CEO providing advertising, marketing, branding and PR for clients. He’s a Veteran, published author and active musician. Due to his many interests, a dedicated exercise routine (initiated by his wife) and multiple philanthropic/volunteer efforts, he’s one heck of a busy retired guy. 

Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.

ACCESS SHANTI’S FREE THRIVING ASSESSMENT TO GET BIG-PICTURE CLARITY ON FOCUS AREAS FOR INCREASED FULFILLMENT, JOY AND IMPACT - https://shantijoygold.com/take-the-thriving-assessment/

Rondavid (aka Dad) and I also discuss:

• Reviewing the coin-toss moment upon leaving the Army that led Rondavid to New York, where he embarked on the next chapter of his advertising career…and met Shanti’s Mom.
• Exploring a moment of career complacency - and how he caught himself and got back on track to self-realization.
• Sharing Rondavid’s career advice: go for it! We all have the power to make choices, try new paths and adjust if needed as we move toward happiness.
• Telling a joke - as only Shanti’s Dad can :)

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes to receive insights about how to navigate your career as an outsider - and learn more about the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and find me below to share your key takeaways!

Learn more about Stories We Haven’t shared at https://storieswehaventshared.com 

CONNECT WITH RONDAVID GOLD
Website - All Things Rondavid
The Project R Story - Two-Part Blog
Tuesdays With Shanti’s Dad Advice Column
Book - Because of Eve (Mystery/Thriller)
Book - Selling (Without Selling)... With Wife, Carol

CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD
LinkedIn
Instagram
Podcast Spotify playlist
Book a Free Discovery Call
Work with Shanti!

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction, Welcome and Warm Reminiscences
• 6:05 Rondavid's Professional Journey
• 7:42 Rondavid Discusses the Power of Humor - and Tells a Joke!
• 10:17 Vietnam War Deployment - Setting the Stage
• 13:14 Three Vietnam Stories With Unexpected Twists that Saved His Life
• 18:12 Rondavid's Realization That Fate Determines Our Path
• 19:08 Relying on His New Belief - A Coin Toss Leads to NY, Where He Meets Shanti's Mom
• 20:21 Fatalism as a Path to Optimism, Presence and Gratitude
• 24:06 The Project R Career Adventure - Charting New Ground, Humor and Takeaways
• 34:58 Rondavid and the First-Ever Häagen-Dazs® Ad Campaign
• 38:51 Words of Wisdom - Go For It!
• 39:56 A Musician's Music Share: A Love Song That's the All-Time Favorite
• 41:11 Where to Find and Connect with Rondavid
• 42:46 Thank You, Final Thoughts - and More Love