Preston Smiles is all smiles when it comes to inspiring people on their journey through life.
What’s your story?
Author, founder, speaker, conscious content creator and leader in the emergent wisdom movement, are a few of the ways in which people know me. But the “me” they know has not always been like this. I grew up in Los Angeles, California as a confused, adventurous, dangerous, lost, crazy, wild and many other descriptive words that could a paint a picture of a beautiful young man trying to understand life and its many facets.
In 2005 after graduating with a 4.0 grade average from a Master’s program, I moved back to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. That same year I found out about a heart palpitation that could be dangerous. This with many other discoveries led me down a path of anger, curiosity, awareness and ultimately into love.
I discovered that I had created an entire process so I could teach and know from experience what most of the world is feeling and going through. I wake up daily inspired to serve. To give back, to remind people that there is nothing outside of themselves. That the gold or diamonds they seek are all within. This reveals itself through Inspirational Youtube videos, organised acts of love through The Love Mob, my organisation, writing books and leading workshops with my soon to be wife Alexi Panos through our company The Bridge Method.
What excites you most about your industry?
Possibility. There is so much possibility in the human potential movement. The internet has made reaching people so much more accessible, therefore removing the gatekeepers and changing how we receive our knowledge and inspiration.
What’s your connection to Asia?
In December 2015 I did a DNA test that said I’m partially southeast Asian. How funny and amazing is that? I recently had a flat tyre on my scooter in Canggu Bali and the guy who was fixing my tyre had the same pigmentation as me. He actually said with a smile on his face, in broken English, “we same color.” I smiled back and said “we’re all family.” We’ve been travelling throughout Indonesia for the past month and will be coming back in November to do it all over again.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
I love Ubud, in Bali. It has it’s own vibe while maintaining facilities and hubs for business. I love the balance between traditional Balinese rituals and thriving businesses that make a global impact.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Slow down. So simple and yet so profound when put into practice. I find many of us are racing to get “there.” Not understanding that “there” (money, car, relationship’s) will always produce a new “there,” the moment the goal is accomplished. Slow down, reminds me to enjoy the moment.
Who inspires you?
Humanity, nature and my wife to be Alexi Panos
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
That it’s not my job to make it happen, it’s my job to welcome it. That if you build you, they/it will come. This is not new, but my understanding of it is new and it always blows me away.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
Nothing because life is always perfect even when it doesn’t appear to be.
How do you unwind?
Nature, one thousand percent is my sanctuary. Particularly surfing, which immediately calms my soul.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Gili Air, because there are no cars, scooters or engines, plus it has world class diving.
Everyone in business should read this book:
Conversations with God
Shameless plug for your business:
The Bridge Method is a 12 week online training program that will support anyone at any stage of their journey. It’s an absolute game changer, that leaves people with practical tools for personal freedom.
How can people connect with you?
Go to PrestonSmiles.com
Twitter handle?
@prestonsmiles
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This interview was part of the Callum Connect’s column found on The Asian Entrepreneur:
Callum Laing invests and buys small businesses in a range of industries around Asia. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is the founder & owner of Fitness-Buffet a company delivering employee wellness solutions in 12 countries. He is a Director of, amongst others, Key Person of Influence. A 40 week training program for business owners and executives.
Take the ‘Key Person of Influence’ scorecard <http://www.keypersonofinfluence.com/scorecard/>
Connect with Callum here:
twitter.com/laingcallum
linkedin.com/in/callumlaing
Get his free ‘Asia Snapshot’ report from www.callumlaing.com
