109. From Rant to Resolve: How Unity Became His Purpose

Discovering meaning and purpose by choosing connection over division — how one leader turned a moment of frustration into a nationwide movement for unity. After three decades in high-powered business and private equity, Adam Mizel found himself yelling at the TV in 2020, watching the world unravel. That moment sparked an unexpected transformation—from executive to bridge-builder. Today, he's the co-founder and CEO of US United, a growing movement focused on creating unity through human connection, community action, and service. In this episode of What's The Point, Bill Ellis and Adam talk about what it really means to find purpose after success. Adam shares how his background in business and philanthropy shaped the foundation for US United, an organization inspiring people to reconnect across divides through conversations, service, and kindness. They discuss how National Unity Day (recognized by the National Day Registry) invites us to step outside our personal and social media bubbles and connect with people from different backgrounds—and why unity starts at the grassroots level, not in politics or media. Adam also opens up about the challenges of leading a movement for connection in a divided world, the lessons learned from partnering with Sheriff Chris Swanson, and how seemingly small actions—like a kind word, a coffee shared, or a civil conversation—can restore hope in our culture. Whether you're a business leader, a community builder, or just someone searching for more meaning in your life, Adam's story reminds us that purpose isn't about profits—it's about people. Connect with Bill: [e-mail] www.billellis.com www.brandingforresults.comIG - @wcellisFacebook - @CoachBillEllisFacebook - @bill.ellis LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellisBook: Women Who Won Links for This Episode: Email [e-mail] Website(s) us-united.org SOCIAL MEDIA INFO: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adammmizel/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/USUnitedOrgInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/us_united_org/ What's The Point? is a podcast hosted by Bill Ellis, featuring real conversations with people who've figured out what matters—their purpose. Each episode explores what motivates them and how they find meaning in what they do. Quick Episode Summary: 00:00 – Welcome and introduction: from business success to calling for unity 01:00 – The moment that changed everything: yelling at the TV during 2020 03:00 – Why Adam decided to act instead of complain 05:00 – The founding of US United and its mission to build bridges 07:00 – Escaping our bubbles: how connection rebuilds empathy 09:00 – The Sheriffs Unity Network and grassroots leadership 11:00 – Creating National Unity Day and what it represents 13:00 – Why unity must start with everyday people, not politicians 15:00 – The power of one act: the Flint, Michigan story that inspired the movement 18:00 – How Adam met Sheriff Chris Swanson and co-founded US United 20:00 – Simple ways anyone can start building unity 23:00 – Lessons from Princeton: "In the Nation's Service and the Service of Humanity" 25:00 – The Five-Mile Rule: how small, local actions create national change 28:00 – Running a nonprofit with a business mindset 31:00 – The 30 for US Program and how it brings people together 35:00 – What sports, music, and food teach us about unity 37:00 – Shaquille O'Neal's wisdom on respect and connection 41:00 – How to avoid "I'm right, you're wrong" conversations 45:00 – Changing minds through storytelling instead of argument 48:00 – Why US United matters—and how to get involved 54:00 – The personal transformation behind the mission 59:00 – What's the point? Why unity is worth fighting for