EP 15: Overcoming Tragedy; Turning Pain into Purpose 24 Years after Accidentally Killing My Little Brother

In Episode 15, we hear from Tyler Dickerhoof, network-marketing professional, entrepreneur, leader, dad, husband, son, and brother. In this episode Tyler shares his tragic story of the farming accident that caused the death of his three-year-old brother. Just before the evening milking of cows, as 14 year-old Tyler is moving the tractor, he backs up to see that something has gone devastatingly wrong.

Horror. Shock. His mother with her arms wrapped around his lifeless brother. First Responder and cops arrive and since there’s nothing he can do to turn back the clock and bring him back to life, Tyler, with the mentality of a farmer who knows work doesn’t stop for anything, puts his head down and continues to the barn to milk the cows.

Head down. Focus. Don’t quit. Don’t let down your guard. Push, push, push. So went the next 24 years of Tylers life, pushing people away to achieve the success he was after. National awards, great job, beautiful family, even more successful network marketing business, incredible opportunity to be mentored by John Maxwell.

It wasn’t until 24 years after the accident while on a mountain top of success, that he experienced a chance meeting with God making him realize there was inner work to be done. He was a good leader with a successful business but in order to be a great leader, it was time for him to slow down, face the pain, face who he is beneath his ego, and heal.

In this episode, you’ll hear his story, how it’s shaped him, how it impacted his relationship with his mother, how it’s helped him impact thousands of people, and some of the big lessons in between.

I will humbly say, this episode with Tyler is a beautiful, transparent conversation that dives deep below the surface, behind his mask of insecurity. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to speak with Tyler and am honored to share his story of how he has turned his pain into purpose and how doing the inner work has given him the gift of empathy. What a beautiful gift it is.

To Tyler: Thank you for your transparency and your vulnerability in sharing your heart and your pain. To share what you say in this episode takes immense courage and I pray that this finds the ears and hearts that are meant to hear it.

Episode 15

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