Story & Lesson Highlights with Brian Poth of Visalia, CA

We recently had the chance to connect with Brian Poth and have shared our conversation below.

Brian , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I just finished the Hoffman Process earlier this month so I am still really connected to some of the tools I found useful. Doing a morning guided meditation and checking in with the different aspects of myself is unmatched. I’m always amazed at how much insight I have inside. I really trust myself now as a result of that process. I drink some coffee, walk my dog, and joke around with my partner. It’s really the best part of the day. I’m a morning person. Once 3pm hits, my hard drive is full.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Brian Poth, Cofounder and Executive Director of The Source LGBT+ Center in Visalia, CA. We are based in Tulare County and serve communities in Tulare, Kings, and parts of Fresno County. The Source is approaching its 10th anniversary, and in that short time, we’ve become the largest LGBTQ+ Center between Los Angeles and Sacramento.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
It would have to be when I was a child actor. Growing up in the 80s, my favorite show was Kids Incorporated. I would run home to watch it and record every episode. I told my mom that one day, I would be on that show. Two years later, that dream came true.

What made it miraculous was that we didn’t live in Los Angeles, and I had no professional experience. A lot of little things fell into place, but it was really my mom who made them happen. Her belief in me and that dream coming true probably gave me a very early, and somewhat false, sense of power. But it was so much fun!

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Compassion.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I’ve thought about this a lot and I can honestly say, yes. I feel most myself around others. I love connecting with people and learning about them. Being visible and authentic takes courage and trust. I think being a people person is a great asset.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing? 
I would regret not acting again at some point in my life. I had a great career that sort of fell apart in my 40’s. But if that hadn’t happened, I would have never moved back to my home town and started The Source with some friends. Television was my first love and probably always will be. Maybe again someday.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thesourcelgbt.org