Hey Collective Crew, Shaun here. What does it take to build something of lasting value? On The Collective this week, our good friend and “unofficial co-host” Seb Lavoie joined Chance and me for a deep, reflective conversation on the journey of The Collective itself. We explored its evolution from a daily, high-velocity experiment to a more refined platform, the guiding principles that have shaped it, the challenges of staying the course, and the profound impact of the community that has grown around it.
This Week’s Co-Conspirator:
– Sebastien Lavoie: Former RCMP ERT Team Leader, author, coach, and a foundational voice on The Collective since its inception.
Key Insights from Our Conversation on The Collective:
1. The Evolution – From Raw Velocity to Refined Purpose
Seb kicked things off by reflecting on the incredible leap the show has taken. He noted the “exponentially quicker” progression forced by our initial, grueling schedule of a show every single day for the first year. This initial phase, while a “bit of a gong show” at times, was the crucible that forged the more polished and purposeful platform we have today.
2. The Four Rules – A Framework for Constructive Dialogue
We revisited the four foundational rules of the show: no race, religion, politics, or swearing. I shared the origin of the first three from my Uncle Kent, a British barber who understood that these topics, without careful handling, often lead to division rather than connection. These rules have been our guardrails, forcing us to explore contentious ideas through a more philosophical and unifying lens, looking for solutions rather than simply yelling and pointing fingers.
3. Staying the Course – The Conviction Required for a Mission
I opened up about the personal challenges of this journey, admitting there were times I wanted to quit, frustrated with social media and the grind of something I didn’t want to do. It’s a testament to the fact that any long-term endeavor requires a deep conviction and a strong “why” to push through the inevitable moments of frustration and doubt.
4. Being the First vs. Being the Best – A Lesson in Humility
During the show, I shared an internal struggle that is critical for anyone on a path of growth: how to handle notable achievements without letting them become a label. Recently, I was reminded of a small bit of history I was involved in as Canada’s first “double-tabbed” – Army and Special Operations – Sniper Detachment Commander. While this sounds like a notable title, I broke down what it truly means: “Being the first doesn’t make you the best.” As I explained in the show, being first is often a product of a unique “confluence in the time-space continuum” – being in the right place, at the right time, with the right skills, determination, and a lot of hard work under your belt. Being first is a historical marker, a starting point, not a declaration of ultimate mastery. I pale in comparison to some of the current and past Special Operations Snipers. But the real substance, the internal metric that matters, is the commitment to the work, the grind, the relentless pursuit of becoming the best you can be at the thing you are doing, irrespective of labels. I likened it to Day One of The Collective: we were the “first” version of this show, but we were also at our “worst.” The real value and pride come from the relentless, ongoing journey of striving to be the best version of ourselves, which requires humility and a commitment to continuous growth.
5. Authenticity and The Danger of a “Transactional” Approach
Seb powerfully argued against a “transactional” approach to life and communication. When asking “how are you?” becomes a hollow formality, we lose authenticity. I posited that a purely “transactional” approach to human interaction is, in a word, “cowardly.” Seb built on this, emphasizing that it’s the easy way out. It’s easy to ask “how are you?” and expect a superficial “good” in return, avoiding any real engagement. The courageous path is to ask with genuine intent, ready to listen and hold space for an honest answer. I shared a story from the drop zone where I pushed past the transactional opening with a struggling individual by asking them to rate their well-being on a scale of 1 to 10. That direct, non-transactional question instantly broke the facade and opened the door for a real, helpful conversation. It requires courage to step away from comfortable social scripts and engage authentically, but it’s in those moments that true, supportive connections are forged.
6. The Ripple Effect – Embracing a Shared Humanity
Chance made a crucial point that this show is built on a “shared humanity,” a desire to be helpful. When you put positive energy and genuine effort out into the world, it often comes back in unexpected ways. The comments from listeners like Dan C., who shared that the show has changed his thinking, or the feedback from guests about their own growth, are not just validating; they are a powerful affirmation that all our efforts are making an impact. This directly ties into the ripple effect we discussed. My goal was never just to speak into a void, but instead to create a space where our collective wisdom could ripple back and forth. What I didn’t fully anticipate was how powerful the return wave would be. To make my point, I mentioned how Seb recently spent an extensive amount of time unexpectedly researching a topic deeply personal to me (the suicide of my brother, and suicide as a whole) and offered his multi-page findings through a theological lens. It’s an incredible act of service that reinforces the entire mission. It demonstrates that we are all part of this interconnected web. Our individual efforts to help, to learn, and to grow amongst each other create ripples that strengthen the entire community, reminding us that we are not just broadcasting a message, but are active participants in a vital, ongoing exchange of support and wisdom.
7. The Unseen Work – The Long Journey to Overnight Success
Seb made the crucial point that viewers often see the polished end product, not the years of work, the failures, and the learning that go into anything. Our journey with The Collective is a real-time example: we are not perfect, but we are committed to the daily, willful process of getting better.
8. The Multi-Domain Operator – Building a Three-Dimensional Life
A crucial insight from our conversation was the power of being a generalist with deep expertise in multiple areas. I reflected on my own path and how combining my skills in special operations, policing, computer engineering, and human intelligence gathering allowed me to operate in a unique way. Connecting the dots between disparate domains builds a unique and formidable capability. This synthesis allows you to see the world through multiple lenses at once, to perceive patterns and solutions that are invisible to those who remain in a single lane. Walking into a situation with the skills to think like a sniper, hacker, enforcer, businessman, or diplomat simultaneously is what allows you to see a different world than those around you. It’s like a magical power that can’t be explained, it can only be experienced. But it’s not magic; it’s the hard-earned result of intentionally building and connecting different skill sets. As Seb cautioned, being a one-dimensional person is a dangerous proposition in a complex world. By intentionally gathering skills from different fields, you are not just adding tools to your toolbox; you are fundamentally changing your perception, evolving from a specialist into a more holistic, three-dimensional, and effective human being.
Final Thought: The Collective is a Commitment to The Process
The Collective is more than just a podcast; it’s a commitment to a process. It’s a belief in the power of open, honest, and challenging conversations. It’s a testament to the idea that by consistently showing up, doing our best, learning from our mistakes, and focusing on a mission larger than ourselves, we can, as our banner says, become better together. The journey is long, and the work never ends, but the value lies in the shared pursuit of wisdom.
What have you learned on your journey with us?
Listen to the full “Conversation on The Collective” here: The Collective
Keep striving,
Shaun & The Collective Crew
