BI: What has been a key element of your success?
DJS: The key element to my success is using two powerful vehicles in producing miracle grow for the brain: exercising and reading. We now know that our brain continues to grow new brain cells throughout our life. This is the process of neurogenesis. Neurogenesis is directly related with optimized brain function, higher cognitive function, improved memory, and faster learning. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a specific protein typically found in the brain. BDNF acts as fertilizer or miracle grow for the brain and encourages the growth of new neurons/brain cells. Exercise increases our BDNF and serves as an awesome vehicle for neuroplasticity. This is one of the main reasons I exercise every day. I run, at a minimum, 5 miles every morning and do push-ups and sit-ups throughout the day. I also love to read. My goal is to read 100 books a year. I read books on just about any category you can think of. Books on leadership, self-development, quantum physics, neuroscience, epigenetics, exercise, health and fitness, diet and nutrition, strategy, continuous process improvement, inspirational biographies, foster care, and even non-fiction inspirational books. Leaders are readers, and you must exercise your brain as you would your biceps. I am also an audio-book junkie, and I am always listening or reading books. The key is to maximize your time. Think of all the time we have in our life. I listen to books while I exercise, while I am stuck in traffic, traveling, and even in the shower. In essence, my key to success is to increase neurogenesis by exercising and reading.
BI: What are some of the business projects that you are currently working on that you are excited about and why?
DJS: I am presently working on two books, with the hope of finding powerful publishers to distribute my books. The first book is an inspirational children’s book that will have a profound impact on the life of a child. I am also working on a Lean Six Sigma project for the Department of the Army. I am improving the current Medical Readiness System for the United States Army Reserve. This project will improve the overall medical readiness level of the Army Reserve and reduce the fee’s associated with Soldier non-compliance by nearly $435K for a specific Army Reserve Division in Kansas with 4,500 Soldiers. The end result will be Soldiers who are medically ready to deploy to austere environments in order to complete their mission for our great country.
BI: What are 1 or 2 things you would like to say to a prospective client who stumbles across this interview?
DJS: My hope is that a publishing firm or literary agent will stumble across this interview and assist me in publishing two books I am currently working on. My first books were focused on foster care. However, I am now expanding outside of child welfare. I know that if I could find the right publisher, with the ability to reach a larger population, that my books will inspire people across the world to dream big. We live in a universe where anything is possible, and we have endless opportunities at our fingertips! My life, my skill level as a leader and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, my speaking career, and my television show demonstrate my desire to inspire people to dream and believe. The greatest attribute I pride myself on is the fact that I do not fear the unknown. Prior to my television show, I had zero experience with being on camera. The show came to fruition when I decided out of nowhere to create a show on overcoming adversity. I remove fear, have fun, and take action! I trust my intuition as it provides me wonderful insights. There is one thing that you cannot kill, and that is an idea. Once I get an idea in my head, I will not let it go!
BI: To wrap this up, what are you most excited about in the upcoming months in your business?
DJS: I am excited to continue to write and publish books that inspire people. The two books I am working on will enthuse others to truly believe and will motivate them to change the world they live in by creating a beautiful reality through imagination, love, and the development of positive habits. As I continue to reach out and find publishers who are willing to spread my message, I encourage people to visit my website at www.jamieschwandt.com and take a look at my books and my show. You can also reach out to me through my website or e-mail at drjamieschwandt@gmail.com if you are interested in having me as a speaker for your next event. I am also excited to see the progression of my show as season one ends. The show inspires people to ask the question “what if?” – “what if I truly believe in myself?” which is one of the most powerful questions you can ask.
If you are a publisher or literary agent looking to partner with me, please contact me at drjamieschwandt@gmail.com. Thank you for taking the time to share my story. Remember that life doesn’t just happen to you; it happens because of you! Thank you and God Bless the United States of America!
