Shawn Askinosie: Encounters with The Divine Through Business

Shawn Askinosie Direct Trade Chocolate Interview | Woke & Wired

If I never produced a single episode after this one, my mission would still be complete.

This conversation with Shawn Askinosie is the epitome of living a heart-centered life driven by presence, generosity, curiosity and adventure, with the internet and business being the tools we use to experience connection.

Criminal defense lawyer turned conscious chocolate entrepreneur Shawn Askinosie was recognized by Oprah as “One of 15 Guys Who Are Saving the World.” He’s the founder of Askinosie Chocolate – a small batch, award winning chocolate factory located in Springfield, Missouri, sourcing 100% of their beans directly from farmers. Making a difference on a business level starts with making a difference on a personal level, interaction by interaction. This conversation with Shawn had a profound impact on me and gave me a glimpse into what’s possible when I get present to the connection between my personal vocation and how I make money. I know this interview will move you, too. Get prepared to encounter the Divine.

Listen on iTunes or Spotify

In this episode, we discuss:

How a divine encounter led Shawn from journey from a successful career as a criminal defense lawyer to making chocolate
How can we be present for divine encounters?
The power of following your sorrow and heartbreak
How to find your purpose through service
Moments of joy of service as a path to expanded consciousness
The intersection of personal and business vocation
How Shawn honors his ancestors through his business
Why fair trade business doesn’t mean the farmers get paid more money
Why Askinosie Chocolate chose direct trade and profit sharing over fair trade
How they are able to pay farmers on average 55% more
Why the growth of the Askinosie Chocolate business is directly related to faith
How to practice presence in everyday moments
The role that technology and social media play in creating community and a sense of unity

Resources:

Connect with Shawn Askinosie:

About Shawn Askinosie:

In 2006, Shawn Askinosie left a successful career as a criminal defense lawyer to start a bean to bar chocolate factory and never looked back. Askinosie Chocolate is a small batch, award winning chocolate factory located in Springfield, Missouri, sourcing 100% of their beans directly from farmers that they profit share with on three continents. This past summer will mark Shawn’s 44th origin trip. Recently named by Forbes “One of the 25 Best Small Companies in America”, Askinosie Chocolate has also been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, on Bloomberg, MSNBC and numerous other national and international media outlets. Shawn was named by O, The Oprah Magazine “One of 15 Guys Who Are Saving the World.” He has been awarded honorary doctorates from University of Missouri-Columbia and Missouri State University. Shawn is a Family Brother at Assumption Abbey, a Trappist monastery near Ava, Missouri and the co-founder of Lost & Found, a grief center serving children and families in Southwest Missouri. His book – Meaningful Work: The Quest To Do Great Business, Find Your Calling And Feed Your Soul, co-written with his daughter Lawren Askinosie, published by Penguin Random House is already a #1 bestseller on Amazon.