For over two decades, I built a meaningful career in consulting, helping companies create impact, solving complex problems, and supporting incredible people along the way.
And yet, as I entered the second half of life, I found myself reflecting more deeply on how I was spending my most valuable resources:
Not just money, but time, energy, and relationships.
That’s why my conversation with Tom Shepard—financial planner and author of Money Isn’t Everything. Everything is Money, meant so much. In his book, Tom invites us to expand our definition of wealth beyond bank accounts and portfolios.
1. Time: The Only Currency You Can’t Earn Back
“Once you’ve spent time, it’s gone. You don’t get a refund.” – Tom Shepard
We live like time is unlimited, until we don’t.
I used to fill every hour, every day, in service of performance. But over time, I began to feel depleted. Not because I wasn’t achieving enough—but because I wasn’t choosing how I spent my time.
Try this:
- Write down how you spent your last three days, hour by hour.
- Now circle everything that felt aligned with your purpose or brought you joy.
- What percentage did that turn out to be?
If it’s under 50%, you’re not alone. But it’s a powerful signal to realign.
Because flourishing isn’t just about doing more. It’s about choosing better.
2. Energy: Your True Fuel for Flourishing
“You can’t think, love, or create without energy. Yet we burn it like it’s free.” – Ashish
Tom reminded me that energy and health are currencies we use to earn money—only to later spend money trying to reclaim them. Sound familiar?
From skipped sleep to overbooked schedules, many professionals treat energy as expendable. But it’s not. It’s your lifeblood for everything else—your clarity, presence, resilience, and joy.
Ask yourself:
- Am I waking up with vitality—or dread?
- What gives me energy? What drains it?
- Am I budgeting my energy like I budget my money?
Quick tip:
Start your week with one small commitment to energy renewal—maybe it’s breathwork, walking in nature, or saying no to an unnecessary meeting.
3. Relationships: The Currency of Belonging
“Relationships are the currency of joy, resilience, and meaning.” – Tom Shepard
When I was in the height of my career, I thought being a good provider was enough. But the truth is: presence is more valuable than provision.
Tom talks about how many clients come to him with money, but very little connection. Their relationships have been traded—sometimes unknowingly—for success.
Here’s the check-in I use weekly:
- Who are the 5 people I want to connect with this week?
- Have I shown up for them emotionally, not just functionally?
- Where am I outsourcing connection to achievement?
Flourishing at work or at home comes from feeling seen, supported, and safe.
4. Money: A Tool, Not the Treasure
“Money is just one form of currency. We trade the other three to get it—and we use it to buy them back.” – Tom Shepard
This line from Tom struck me.
We give our time, energy, and connection to earn money. Then we use money to try to reclaim time (via convenience), energy (via wellness), and love (via experiences). It’s a cycle—but it doesn’t have to be unconscious.
So ask yourself:
- What is my relationship with money? Is it anxious, avoidant, obsessive?
- Does how I spend my money reflect what I truly value?
Tom developed an incredible tool called the Financial Natures Assessment. It categorizes how we relate to money into seven archetypes: Taker, Spender, Earner, Saver, Investor, Lever, and Giver.
This insight stuck out:
“Instinctiveness is a strength. But when it becomes impulsiveness, it’s a liability.” – Tom Shepard
Self-awareness is the first step to conscious choice. Knowing your money pattern gives you the power to shift it.
Why This Matters at Work
How we manage these four currencies directly impacts how we lead, collaborate, and create at work.
- Leaders who mismanage time create chaos.
- Burned-out employees can’t innovate.
- Disconnected teams don’t trust.
- Financial anxiety kills focus and well-being.
Want to build a high-performance culture?
Start by helping people flourish in how they manage these four currencies.
Learn more about Tom on Linkedin.
Listen to the podcast with Ashish and Tom below.
Access and subscribe to all of the episodes of the Happiness Squad Podcast here.
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