Here we are with the first of two interviews with John Wesley, editor-in-chief of PickTheBrain, one of the fastest growing personal development blogs.  I don’t quite recall how I discovered John’s site but once I did, I quickly became a subscriber.

Months later, I wrote a guest post for PTB entitled 7 Tips for Resolving Conflicts Quickly and Peacefully, which eventually led me to a major speaking engagement in Orlando, Florida.  Even a radio show from the Midwest contacted me for an interview on the very same subject.  Clearly, PTB is in a class of its own, commanding huge respect and authority in the area of personal development.  

Shall we?  Let’s welcome John Wesley to Stephen Hopson Interviews….

1.  John, one of my favorite questions when I want to learn about someone is by asking them to give me their 5 second introduction when I pose the question:  “What do you do for a living?”

I build online communities and information resources to help people improve their lives and connect with people who share the same goals.

2.  Tell me in 3 to 5 sentences something we can’t read in your bio or at the “About Page” at your blog PickTheBrain.

One thing that might surprise some people is that I had zero interest in self help/self improvement before I started PickTheBrain. In many ways I think this helped, as I was able to stay away from the stereotypical stuff and bring a fresh perspective.

Stephen’s Response:  John, that’s pretty amazing and rather ironic, wouldn’t you say?  It’s like something fell into your lap, especially since you had no interest in self development, only to soar into the stratosphere.  I love stories like yours because it keeps the flame of hope alive for the rest of us, serving as a powerful reminder that what seems impossible can indeed be achieved.    

3.  How long have you been blogging at “PickTheBrain”?

About 14 months.

4.  How did you come up with that very interesting and eye catching  title?

I was watching the movie “American Beauty” and in one scene the character who plays Kevin Spacey’s wife says, “I’d just love to pick the brain of someone like you.” The phrase caught my ear and the domain wasn’t taken so that was it.

Stephen’s Response:  I’ve never seen the movie – Kevin Spacey is one of the finest actors around – I’ll have to rent it sometime.  Has anyone else seen it?

5.  Why did you start “PickTheBrain”?

At the time I started PTB I was a few months into my first real job after college and I was very unsatisfied with my life. I was scared that I’d be working a job that didn’t interested me for the rest of my life. I read an article about how to make money blogging and I had always wanted to be a writer, so I decided to give it a shot, hoping that it would save me. Amazingly it really did.

Stephen’s Response:  John, I think you’ve probably touched upon a nerve here – I’m willing to bet that many people are secretly afraid that the job they end up in will forever be a drag.  You have described a predicament that millions of people find themselves in.  The longer they stay in a job they have no passion for, the more their inner spirit withers away.   

6.  One of the reasons why you were invited to be interviewed is because while your writing style and those of your guest authors are bullet-formatted, I’ve managed to catch a glimpse of your underlying personality, tugging at my heartstrings.  You have somehow weaved your personal story in your articles in a way that I find most touching.  How did you learn how to write so well?

I think the first key is a lot of practice — reading A LOT of writers in diverse areas and scrutinizing every word. The second part is passion, like you mentioned many of my most successful posts have been centered around personal experiences. If you’ve had a powerful experience, chances are many other people have been through something similar. If you can honestly express yourself and truly bare your soul to others it creates a powerful connection.

Stephen’s Response:  I find it interesting that you read a lot of writers in diverse areas and scrutinize every word because I just did that recently with a couple of books last week.  I found myself highlighting several words and phrases that caught my fancy to be used for future writing endeavors - it’s a fun way to evolve as a serious writer.   It’s one of the reasons why I have a blog – I’m constantly practicing the fine art of writing.

7.  We all know how we shouldn’t judge the book by its cover.  When I first learned about PickTheBrain, I went to check it out.  When I saw how many thousands of subscribers you had, I remember thinking that you probably had the most outgoing, fearless personalities out there.  (We are all guilty of arriving at preconceived notions based on a set of information presented to us).  Imagine my shock and surprise when I learned through one of your articles that you were once painfully shy.  Everyone has a story to share – what’s yours?

Well I’ve always been extremely reserved and inwardly focused and I think my shyness was driven by over analyzing social situations instead of just acting. But in many ways, this analytical nature is the source of my strengths as well. Blogging was actually huge in helping me realize how much I have to offer the world.

8.    What is the best advice you’ve ever received?  Given?

That’s a tough question — to be honest I can’t point to one particular piece of advice that has really changed my life over any other. My only suggestion would be to think for yourself, have confidence in your own conclusions, and to believe that you really can have what you want if you are willing to work for it.

9.  What do you consider your proudest achievement in life?

You know, I really don’t have one. I could say creating PickTheBrain, but I really think my greatest moments have been some the introspective times when I’ve broken through mental barriers and come to important realizations. Other people can’t see, or really understand these moments but they’re the events that allow the more concrete achievements to happen.

Stephen’s Response:  I would certainly have to agree with you that creating PTB was one of your finest achievements.  You’ve managed to attract over eleven thousand subscribers in only 14 months - that’s a stupendous achievement for any blogger!

Well, John (shaking hands), it was a pleasure having you with us today.  We look forward to seeing you again next week!  

For Part II, click here.   

Turning to the audience:  If you aren’t yet a subscriber and you liked today’s interview, go ahead and sign up as an email or RSS subscriber in the little box at the bottom of this post so you won’t miss out on the next one!  We’ve got another interview with John (a week from today), a new one with Phil Gerbyshak (Make it GREAT!) and Howard Putnam, former CEO of Southwest Airlines.  For more names and dates, you can visit Stephen Hopson Interviews.

By the way, I’m excited to announce that for the first time since I started this blog, I will be doing some video posts in the very near future!!  Perhaps this week, perhaps next week.   It all depends on when I get the camera that I want and how much time it takes me to climb the learning curve.  It’ll be a great opportunity for all of you to see and hear me in person.  Not only do I think and hope it’ll cement our relationship but it’ll also surprise you that I speak as well as I do.  Another reason to stay tuned via email or RSS for further updates!   

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