Episode 29 - Designing a Life of Meaning: A Soul Conversation with Raad Ghantous

Transcript

00:12 – Wendy

Hello. Here we are—Powerhouse Smart friends and colleagues. Welcome to another heartfelt, amazing episode of our Powerhouse Cool Collabs podcast. As a reminder, we keep these concise—about 20 to 25 minutes—though I could always talk much longer with our incredible guests.

Today is no different. Wait until you meet Raad Ghantous, our guest today and a dear friend of mine. The three pillars we focus on are leadership and collaboration, an attitude of gratitude, and how our guests are helping humanity in meaningful ways.

I’m so honored to introduce him, but instead of me going on, I’ll let him tell you his story. Raad, welcome to the show.

01:07 – Raad

Thank you, Wendy. It’s so nice to be here, and congratulations on the podcast. You’re doing great work with amazing guests, and you truly live what it means to give back in meaningful ways.

I’ve known you a long time and have been watching how you’ve tied this podcast into Powerhouse Smart with added depth and dimension. I’m grateful to have been involved for almost five years now. We just came back from the annual Powerhouse conference in Chicago, and it’s incredible how everything aligns.

People come into your life for different reasons and different seasons. Sometimes they give you depth, direction—fellow explorers on the journey.

03:01 – Wendy

Like a spark—just being in the same room with you. Even on Zoom, I feel your energy and connection.

03:17 – Raad

I feel the same and feed off your energy too. Especially now, connection is more important than ever. We live in a virtual world—16,000 followers on LinkedIn—but what does that really mean?

We remember the days before all this technology, and there were good things we’ve lost touch with. It’s important to intentionally reconnect. Travel helps ground us.

So, to go back to your question about my story—I’m many things. Sometimes complex, but not complicated. I’ve learned to embrace that multidimensional nature.

04:58 – Wendy

And that’s where you’re most alive.

05:16 – Raad

Exactly. I feel most alive there. I’m reading a book called Be Where Your Feet Are, about presence. Living it—not just reading about it—changes everything, especially as we get older.

I started in economics, earned my degree at 20, then pursued marketing at Claremont Graduate School. I didn’t finish the program, but the journey still gave me value I use daily.

Later, I shifted into interior design during the early ’90s real estate crash. I grew up on job sites with my father, a civil engineer, so it felt natural.

Society often mistakes motion for productivity. Social media adds noise, and we lose discernment between quantity and quality.

08:59 – Raad

That pressure forces us to be intentional about how we design our lives—professionally and personally. The two are inseparable.

Whether on safari in Africa, visiting NGOs, or simply being present in nature, showing up in wholeness matters. If you don’t tend to your whole self, all areas of life suffer.

Designing your life requires reinvention, curiosity, and rejecting the idea that you’re supposed to slow down at a certain age.

11:27 – Wendy

Well said.

11:32 – Raad

Nobody’s guaranteed tomorrow. Change is the only constant. I’m reading Hunting Discomfort by Sterling Hawkins—seeking discomfort to grow.

Comfort can become a cage. I turned 60 this year—not that I feel or look it—and it made me reflect deeply. Happiness is fleeting. Joy is the purpose.

Joy is intentional. Love—of self and others—is foundational. Your cup has to overflow before you can give.

14:57 – Wendy

That’s right.

15:02 – Raad

We Gen Xers never got a roadmap. And while that’s scary, crafting your own path is meaningful.

I may call myself an interior designer, but I’m really a creator of experiences—professionally and personally. Design is not just aesthetic; it’s strategic and human-centered.

The same applies to life design. How do you want to live? Where do you find meaning?

17:43 – Wendy

You’re so humble. After all that depth, you say, “I’m an interior designer.”

Before we wrap up, how can people collaborate with you or connect with you?

18:00 – Raad

There’s no substitute for a real conversation—ideally in person. Relationships require presence and intention.

Stillness has been a big lesson for me. I protect my peace fiercely.

Professionally, people can visit rodghantous.com. I’m also building The Rad Life—a podcast, magazine, and community focused on reinvention and purpose.

24:13 – Wendy

We have a whole half of life left.

24:17 – Raad

Exactly. I still have 20–30 years ahead. What legacy do I want to leave?

Through The Rad Life, I want people to know they’re not alone—especially during times of uncertainty and change. We print the magazine twice a year and share real stories and resources.

You always have the freedom to reinvent—on your own terms.

29:59 – Wendy

You are a messenger. I’m so grateful to share you with everyone listening today.

30:16 – Wendy

Raad will be leading a private tour at West Edge Design Fair with Powerhouse Smart, and he’s officially family now.

30:49 – Raad

We’re also developing the Southern California Powerhouse chapter together. Powerhouse is about community and belonging.

My life has been enriched by knowing you, Wendy, and by our shared experiences, including Africa. It all comes back to designing your life.

32:48 – Raad

If I could leave people with one thing—it’s about uncertainty. As kids, uncertainty excites us. As adults, we fear it.

This year, I reconnected with that curiosity. I even bungee-jumped off Victoria Falls Bridge—39 stories—to anchor that lesson.

Design your life with depth and dimension. Freedom is always yours.

36:52 – Wendy

I love that. Click the links, connect with us. Raad, thank you. Love you, my friend.