Shawn Askinosie

“Our greatest joy is our sorrow unmasked.” Kahlil Gibran

Shawn Askinosie is the founder and CEO of Askinosie Chocolate, an award-winning craft chocolate factory. A small business doing great things. Shawn was a successful criminal defence lawyer for 20 years, however, he reached a breaking point in which he no longer found joy in what he was doing. For 5 years he searched for a change and eventually started Askinosie Chocolate.

I have a conversation with Shawn about his journey and how he navigated his way into a new career, not only one that he is passionate about but one that brings him a great deal of meaning. His book, Meaningful Work, co-authored a book with his Daughter Lawren, is an inspiring guide to discovering a vocation that feeds your heart an soul. Shawn shares a great deal of wisdom in this chat in which I’ve taken plenty away. I hope you can too.

Guest Bio

Shawn Askinosie is the founder of Askinosie Chocolate. Their business model has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and on Bloomberg and numerous other media outlets. Shawn was named by O, The Oprah Magazine, as “One of 15 Guys Who Are Saving the World.” He is a Family Brother at Assumption Abbey, a Trappist monastery near Ava, Missouri. He, along with his daughter Lawren, Askinosie Chief Marketing Officer, wrote the #1 Amazon bestseller, entitled: “Meaningful Work: A Quest to Do Great Business, Find Your Calling, and Feed Your Soul”

Topics of discussion 

• A story from a criminal defence lawyer to chocolate.
• Signs of meaningless work.
• How to make the switch to a vocation with passion and purpose.
• How to find meaningful work – find yourself in the service of others.
• How much is enough? Balance vs. harmony.

Quick round questions

Do you have any routines and rituals that you believe contribute to your success?

A Monday to Friday morning routine – stretch, pray, meditate.

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

No advice, just a great big hug.

How would you define success? What does success look like to you? 

Little stories that occur in my life that make me realise that it’s possible to see heaven at work.

What is one tool, skill, resource, or technique that has helped improve your effectiveness and/or productivity? 

My 5-minute journal.

What advice would you give someone that needing/wanting to make a change in their life?

Find someone who needs you and be of service to them.

If I would serve you your last meal what would you request?

A vanilla angle doughnut.

What activity gives you the greatest sense of joy? 

Being with Family, friends and people.

If you could pick one book to pass down to your children or future generations what book would it be? 

Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life’s Greatest Lesson, 20th Anniversary Edition by Mitch Albom

What Should I Do with My Life?: The True Story of People Who Answered the Ultimate Question by Po Bronson

Meaningful Work: A Quest to Do Great Business, Find Your Calling, and Feed Your Soul by Shawn and Lawren Askinosie

What quote, phrase or message would you text or tweet to everyone in the world?

“When we learn how to die we learn how to live.”

Do we all have a Hidden Why, a purpose?

Yes. Hidden in our true Self.

What does living with passion and purpose mean?

In connecting with our true Self.

What do you believe is the underlying motivation behind everything you do? 

My faith in God.

How to connect with Shawn

Shawns personal web page – https://shawnaskinosie.com

or Explore Askinosie Chocolate here. 

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.