Tell us about yourself.
Stu Crum’s college football heroics put him on the national radar as a model student-athlete. Tagged as a winner with a natural gift for leadership, he made his name internationally in key positions with Texaco, Shell Oil, Jiffy Lube, and Bridgestone, wrangling deals with the likes of activist investor Carl Icahn and other heavy hitters. Developing a simple, dynamic game plan that he calls intentional living, Crum lays out his playbook for success in faith, family, and business in his new book, AIM FOR THE UPRIGHTS The Intentional Playbook for Success in Faith, Family, and Business.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
My family moved around, but we always had the church community and athletics to keep us grounded.
What was your journey to getting published like?
Clear, strong choices automatically filter out distractions. Eliminate unnecessary commitments. Avoid wasting time on activities that do not contribute to your purpose. Priorities pave the way for progress. Dreams and aspirations are achievable.
What’s the best piece of feedback you’ve ever received?
"I respect the author's realistic yet elegant writing style since it makes us think deeply about the deep and elusive vitality of life and emotions. He engages readers in his story with a brilliant yet pragmatic narrative. Stu writes with an utmost clarity, allowing readers to immerse in the book without any difficulty. Overall, it is a great uplifting read." —Saby Samar, sabyreviews
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Perspective: Firstly, when you don't get what you want, you gain perspective. It's easy to get caught up in our desires and lose sight of the bigger picture. When things don't go our way, we are forced to take a step back and reevaluate our priorities. We learn to appreciate what we have, rather than focusing on what we lack. This perspective shift can lead to a greater sense of gratitude and contentment in life.
What’s a fun fact about you that your readers might not know?
As a boy I loved football but realized I would never grown tall and brawny enough to play linebacker. At a very early age I began to train as a placekicker.
What’s your guilty pleasure book or genre?
Anything about sports and competition.
What’s your favorite quote about writing?
{“Write what you know.”
—Mark Twain
When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
I golf and play tennis. Both activities keep mind, body and spirit in good shape.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
No. I just know that storytelling has always been a large part of my upbringing and growth as a man.
What has inspired you and your writing style? How did you choose the Christian genre?
Purpose: Being intentional includes defining a purpose. As a boy, my one true purpose was to become a successful athlete. Later in life, I selected another purpose – business success. My choices helped me make the most of my time, and I got results. Choosing the Christian genre was simply an extension of my best intentions.
How do you deal with negative reviews?
Striving for fulfillment is not only about movement and action. I take time to evaluate my thoughts and feelings. Identify areas where I can improve or make changes. Seek to understand my motivations. Overcome limiting beliefs. Self-reflection increases self-awareness and deepens emotional intelligence. Be clear about your progress. Adjust your plans as needed. That's my daily ritual.
How do you connect with your readers?
Podcasts, sharing print content and mentoring CEOs who are new to leadership.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I see mentoring as a way to help others while sharing the knowledge I've acquired through the years.
I know from experience that decisions have consequences. Be accountable for your outcomes. By doing so, you strengthen the power to shape your own life and avoid being the victim of circumstances beyond your control. Own your results, positive or negative. Intentional living is a social experiment; take notes and learn from mistakes so that you grow from all your intentional experiences.
Are there any Easter eggs or hidden messages in your work?
No. What you read is what you get. But I know readers will go far — not a hidden message but an important one — if they will embrace this ethos: Clear, strong choices automatically filter out distractions. Eliminate unnecessary commitments. Avoid wasting time on activities that do not contribute to your purpose. Priorities pave the way for progress. Dreams and aspirations are achievable.
How do you approach writing dialogue for your characters?
Nonfiction is memory, mostly. My approach is to be fair and honest about what others say. If the actual dialogue evades me, nonfiction narrative allows me to talk about the shape and values of a conversation or scene.
If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
Grit helps you cultivate resilience in the face of challenges. Stay motivated. Forge ahead, rain or shine, as you align each action with your purpose. The result is a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment as you make a meaningful contribution to your world, regardless of whether you are pursuing personal growth or professional success.
And smile, even when you can’t. Fake it till you make it. Maintain a positive outlook even in difficult times. Sound a little wacky? Consider the opposite choice.
Stu Crum’s Author Websites and Profiles
Website
Stu Crum’s Social Media Links
Twitter
LinkedIn
All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.
