E50: Surviving 5 Heart Surgeries Drove Dakota Malone to a Higher Perspective

Want to take your sustainability efforts to the next level? Check out this conversation with social entrepreneur Dakota Malone on the latest episode of the Cashflow Fight Club podcast. After surviving five heart surgeries as a child, Dakota went on to become a top salesperson before founding Community Solar Authority, and now helping organizations lower costs and pursue sustainability through commercial solar programs.

Dakota emphasizes a holistic view of sustainability and shares insights on building sustainable business models. He also opens up about how shamanic practices have helped him integrate life's challenges into personal growth. He believes facing inner darkness and increasing self-awareness are keys to transformation. Tune in to hear all about Dakota's path to renewable energy entrepreneurship and view the world through a more interconnected lens. 

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

00:00

02:45 - Dakota’s early background

14:55 - Finding empowerment through your narrative

16:49 - The interconnection between internal and external sustainability

17:36 - The power of facing our shadows

20:52 - Awareness is the first step.

22:55 - Expanding our sense of self through initiation and integration

28:08 - The 4 pillars of sustainability

33:12 - Solar energy incentives and commercial solar brokerage

42:14 - Solar leasing opportunities for land investors

 

Episode Highlights:

[14:55] Finding Empowerment Through Your Narrative

Dakota believes that the way we shape the meaning of our lives and talk about our stories greatly impacts the outcomes we experience. For him, it really doesn't matter what your story is – it's what it means to you and the way that you talk about it. By framing our experiences in an empowering light and using language that uplifts ourselves, we can take control of our narratives and work towards the realities we desire.

[16:49] The Interconnection Between Internal and External Sustainability

When considering sustainability, Dakota notes that most people only think of environmental factors. However, he believes true sustainability starts from within. We're not going to solve any of these problems in our external reality, until we start to go inside and work on our own personal stuff. Sustainability is interconnected with personal growth, mindset and introspection.

[17:36] The Keys to True Transformation

Dakota believes facing inner darkness and gaining self-awareness are keys to transformation. Confronting our shadows seems terrifying yet our darkest places hold the greatest value. True change begins with introspection to understand ourselves. Through introspection and awareness of strengths and weaknesses, we can expand our perspective with new ideas, energy, and movement. 

[28:08] Dakota’s Four Pillars of Sustainability

1. Human - Focuses on personal empowerment, mindset, and how we operate in the world.
2. Social - Taking care of vulnerable communities and promoting equity.
3. Economic/Business - Building sustainable business models and practices like lean principles.
4. Environmental - Working towards environmental goals like reducing emissions through commercial solar solutions.

Resources Mentioned:

Community Solar Authority

Soulcraft: Crossing into the Mysteries of Nature and Psyche

The Fourth Turning

The Life You Can Save