Business
Episode 292: The Magical Life of “The Amazing Hondo” I met today’s Guest Mentor performing magic at an outdoor networking event four of us co-hosted. Dan DeMuth’s place was a perfect spot for the gathering. Actually, the event was Coach Dan’s idea. His backyard is a huge putting green. Perfect for a magic show before throwing golf clubs and developing new relationships. “The Amazing Hondo” showed me a blank card and then placed it on the ground in front of me. When I bent down to turn it over, the card wasn’t blank. The card was a picture of me. I am still scratching my head in wonderment. A magic entertainer’s life has always intrigued me. Today, we will uncover how John Hughes becomes “The Amazing Hondo,” who has performed for some greats like Mohamed Ali, Harvey McKay, Bob Hope, and Dinah Shore. DOWNLOAD John grew up in what he describes as a 1950s authoritarian and unstructured home where he learned to be obedient and play it safe, as did his three other siblings. Early on, he realized an independent streak that I would identify as an entrepreneurial characteristic. A desire to forge one’s own path and take the necessary financial and self-leadership risks to make a living from your craft. Before he could exercise his entrepreneurial tendencies, he played it safe, like he was taught. He became a good student realizing he loved math and had an inner sense to teach others and have fun. Practicing magic card tricks became his teen hobby and sports an outlet for camaraderie and competition. Professionally John started his career as a math teacher and coach at Cretin-Durham Hall, his alma mater. Hall-of-Famer Paul Molitor and MN Twins catcher Joe Mauer attended the same school. The performer in John began emerging as his two favorite sports of basketball and baseball were fodder for solving probability equations in math classes. What was Joe Mauer’s batting average? Let’s figure it out. Applying real-life situations made math come alive for his students. Magic card tricks were the reward incentivizing his math students to complete homework assignments and promote teamwork. “The Amazing Hondo” arose out of a request from peers to perform his “Mathemagic” show at a national conference in San Francisco. John practiced 35 hours for a 2-hour magic performance in front of a three-way mirror where his hands could take on a life of their own as John moved into a meditative state. Memory work and mental gymnastics are steady companions. There was no stopping John. He went from Mr. Hughes, the amazing teacher, and coach to “The Amazing Hondo,” speaker and entertainer. “The Amazing Hondo” took advantage of opportunities that helped him hone his craft, release debilitating beliefs, and springboard out of a life ‘playing it safe’ and into the magical world of entrepreneurship. When does it make sense to take your next leap of faith? “The Amazing Hondo” has some answers for you. Please do the Conscious Attentive Leadership Mentoring (C.A.L.M.) Activities, below. Podcast Sponsor Strategies to Grow Your Business Monthly Bookkeeping Payroll Services Back Office Strategies and Support Contact Us Now Episode Resources Eagle Magic Store (founded in 1889) Eagle Magic and Joke Store – The Oldest Magic Shop in America! – Eagle Magic Store Escape Rooms “Mystery Mansion” by Breakout Games – Minneapolis in Minneapolis – St. Paul (worldofescapes.com)Trapped Puzzle Rooms Dan DeMuth's Podcast Episodes Secrets from Golf Whisperer and Business Coach, Dan DeMuth | WeMentor Mondays with Nancy PODCAST How Over 52,902 People Changed Their Lives with Dan DeMuth as Their Coach | WeMentor Mondays with Nancy PODCAST Oprah's Book: The Path Made Clear The Path Made Clear: Discovering Your Life’s Direction and Purpose: Winfrey, Oprah: 9781250307507: Amazon.com: Books Paul Molitor Paul Molitor – Wikipedia Hondo & Muhammad Ali