John Barfield came from humble beginnings earning less than $2 an hour as a janitor at the University of Michigan. Today, he is a successful businessman, author, and the focus of a PBS documentary.

We had a conversation about how everyone can be successful both personally and professionally and what's important in life.

Barfield says it's important to realize the value of your time and talents and to do the best that you can with the tools you were given.

Barfield says you can be successful, you can have a good life for yourself, but the purpose of living is to make life better for others.

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— Lisa Barry is the host of All Things Considered on WEMU. You can contact Lisa at 734.487.3363, on Twitter @LisaWEMU, or email her at lbarryma@emich.edu