More Wisdom from Rondavid Gold (aka Shanti’s Dad): A Grateful Ad Man’s Journey and How Vietnam Changed Everything

In this episode, Shanti welcomes back her Dad, Rondavid Gold (he/him), as her first repeat guest. The conversation delves into new stories and layers, including the chaotic promotional advertising event that could have derailed his career (but didn’t), the engagement he walked away from (and the draft notice that followed), his struggles as a new Army recruit - and how near-death experiences in Vietnam shifted his entire worldview. These stories highlight Rondavid’s evolution from a self-centered, hotshot, young ad guy/musician to a fatalist with a deep appreciation for life. He discusses the impact of gratitude, how fatalism helped him live with less stress (but also led to some missed opportunities early on) - and his realization that trusting yourself and taking chances leads to the greatest happiness. Expect laughter, warm father-daughter moments, wisdom - and a roadmap to limiting “I should’ve” moments.

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/

Other stories shared by Rondavid and Shanti at the campfire: 

• Recounting a bold call to Yamaha Keyboards, proving that bold moves can open unexpected doors.
• Sharing Rondavid’s unexpected, heart-warming song choice - the song he wrote for Shanti - as the one he’d preserve at all costs for future generations.
• Remembering how taking charge of his career gave him creative freedom, reignited his purpose and led to rewarding, memorable moments.
• Telling a short, punny Dad joke (of course).

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
Website - All Things Rondavid
Tuesdays With Shanti’s Dad Advice Column
Book - Because of Eve (Mystery/Thriller)
Book - Selling (Without Selling)... With Wife, Carol
The Project R Story from Ep. 14 - Two-Part Blog

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

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction and Welcome Back - Dad Returns to the Podcast
• 3:23 Music Man
• 5:32 Dad Joke - Short and Punny
• 6:30 Vietnam and the Impact of a War Without Front Lines
• 8:08 Early Ad Days and a Promotional Event Gone Very Wrong
• 12:41 Young and Foolish: A Broken Engagement and Draft Papers
• 16:52 Tough Transition from Hot-Shot Ad Guy/Musician to Army Life
• 21:04 An Additional Near-Death Vietnam Story
• 24:19 The Birth of a Deep Belief in Fate - and Gratitude
• 28:12 The Time When Fatalism Led to Career Complacency
• 30:29 Deciding to Take Control of His Career Leads to Joy and Success
• 33:32 The Yamaha Keyboard Story: Taking a Risk that Pays Off
• 38:51 No Regrets: Trust Yourself and Go For It
• 39:52 Music Share: Dad's Deeply Moving Surprise Gift to Shanti
• 42:14 Living in Gratitude and Giving Back
• 42:41 Thank You and Final Thoughts