Beyond the Boardroom: What Real Leadership Looks Like
Your Weekly Dose of Inspirational Growth
FEBRUARY 22, 2024 | Volume I, Issue 7
Forward Friday is all about reflecting over the past week and leaping forward into the next, all the while honoring our present state. You can expect three lessons I learned over the past week, two amazing people to follow, and one action step for your consideration.
Beyond the Boardroom: What Real Leadership Looks Like
In April of 2023, Ryan faced a stark prognosis: brain cancer with just six weeks to live. Amid this life-altering news, he clung to a deeply personal goal—to return to the Simplot Track and Field Games, a competition that defined his high school athletic career. Now at 26, Ryan’s resilience shines as a beacon of hope and determination. This year, with his doctor’s approval, Ryan made his triumphant return to Simplot, a full-circle moment that speaks volumes about his journey.
During our encounter at the games, I had the privilege of delving deeper into Ryan’s story. I asked him about the sacrifices he had to make to redefine success in the shadow of such adversity, and about those who infused strength and support into his life. The conversation, captured in an attached video, is simple yet profound, echoing the universal truths about what truly matters in life.
This narrative is not just Ryan’s; it’s a reflection for all of us, particularly for leaders navigating the complexities of the corporate world. It’s a poignant reminder to reassess what we carry, the relationships we cherish, and the unyielding spirit required to pursue our passions against all odds. As we embark on this edition of Forward Friday, let Ryan’s story inspire us to examine our own lives, to trim the excess, and to breathe life into the environments and communities we are a part of. Watch the video
Three Resilient Leadership Insights From Ryan’s Story
2. Build Support Relationship Systems: Ryan’s reflections on friendship and support systems shine a light on the fundamental importance of authentic relationships in the workplace. Beyond the veneer of professional success—measured in likes, follows, or even financial milestones—lies the real metric of leadership: the strength of the bonds formed with those we journey with. As C-suite executives, this underscores the critical role of fostering a culture of mutual support, where success is shared, and challenges are collectively navigated. It’s about building teams that are not just efficient but are resilient, connected by shared values and unwavering support for one another.
3. Pursuit Beyond Adversity: Ryan’s relentless pursuit of his passions, despite the adversities, is a powerful allegory for the resilience required in the world of business. Leadership is often a test of endurance, where the ability to persevere through setbacks defines success. Like Ryan, we as leaders are tasked with confronting challenges head-on, leveraging our “new normal mindset” to forge paths toward innovation and achievement. It’s a testament to the power of determination, the ability to see beyond immediate obstacles, and remain steadfast in the pursuit of one’s goals.
I knew Ryan as an athlete and coached with his coach. It was great to see him.
Two People to Follow
Dr. Avis Jones DeWeever is a force. Not a force to be reckoned with…just a force. Not a force of nature…just a force. She teaches Black women entrepreneurs in service industries how to develop high-ticket and ultrahigh- ticket offers, implement high profile media and marketing methods, and close sales like a BOSS. When the pandemic hit and I had to turn to outbound marketing, I stumbled upon this ‘force’. Within one month I was closing deals. But more importantly, I was helping a population that needed my message, and I needed them. She is the real deal and I get to call her one of my #FabFive. Dr. Avis’s website: dravismentoring.com
Ford Saeks is a force. Ha! Yes, I would say Ford is one of the smartest guys I know when it comes to marketing. I actually would love to see Ford and Dr. Avis locked in a room for an hour. I can’t imagine what would come out of that place. Ford is all about Business Growth Acceleration. He is a franchise keynote speaker and he is always ahead of the curve. Last year when this new thing called, “ChatGPT” was coming out, he told everyone in the mastermind to put everything on hold because this was the next disruption in the market. He is a wizard at helping B2B and B2C Brands. Ford’s website: profitrichresults.com
Upcoming in March 2024
10 Week Deep Dive into my Book 10 Power Stories to Impact Any Leader: Journal Your Way to Leadership Success.
Every Sunday at 6:00 – 6:20am MT, I will go through one chapter of the book with my highlighted observations. More information coming soon. If you want to be part of this deep dive purchase the book here.
One Action Step: Leap Forward
Reach Out to Key Stakeholders: Make a list of key customers, partners, and team members. Plan to reach out to them over the next week with personalized communications, expressing gratitude for their support and seeking feedback on how you can serve them better. I am making a list of everyone who hired me from my 1099’s. And, I am creating an opportunity to say thank you, again. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us! What you wanted to hear the most was leadership challenges and solutions and the power of resilience in our personal and professional lives.
Stay connected, I’d love to hear from you. Connect with me on social media to stay updated on my latest adventures and insights. Just follow the links at the bottom of this newsletter.
My most requested speech topic is, “Amputate to Amplify: How to Transform Adversity Into Advantage.” See my New video MindSET to MindSIGHT. Do you have an event that you would like me to speak at, or do you have a referral you can suggest? Please send us a note.
Go forth and inspire your world,
— JR
Important Links:
Do you have a story to share or a person to highlight please share with me at newsletter@johnregister.com.
Have an event coming up? Let’s talk, send me an email at letschat@johnregister.com or call me at 719-357-6833.
Download my one-page Speaker Sheet | see me on stage.
Adversity to Advantage Newsletter: Amputate to Amplify: Inspire – Impact – Transcend
Forward Friday: Reflecting Back, Leaping Forward
Your Weekly Dose of Inspirational Growth
FEBRUARY 16, 2024 | Volume I, Issue 6
Another day of learning awakes us all. As we navigate the challenging seas of leadership, our compass must always point toward growth, innovation, and resilience. This week, I share insights that are not just observations but the very pillars upon which we can build empires resilient to the ebb and flow of business dynamics.
Three Leadership Insights: Reflecting Back
- Innovation and Creativity — The lifeblood of any thriving organization is its capacity to innovate and create. In a world where change is the only constant, fostering a culture that encourages thinking outside the box is essential. Innovation isn’t just about new products; it’s about redefining your approach to problem-solving and being adaptable in the face of adversity.
- Customer Experience and Engagement — The cornerstone of sustained growth lies in how well we understand and engage with our customers. Excellence in customer experience is not a luxury but a necessity. It’s about creating meaningful interactions at every touchpoint, ensuring that every engagement adds value, and strengthens the relationship.
- Data Analytics and Insights — In the age of information, data is your most valuable asset. Leveraging analytics provides a clearer understanding of market trends, customer behaviors, and operational efficiency. It empowers decision-making, ensuring that strategy is informed by evidence rather than conjecture.
Two People to Follow
Diana Kander and I have shared the speaking platform at least once. She is one of those speakers who, yes, you just stay in the room because she is just that good. A beacon of curiosity, Diana teaches us the power of questions. Her work, including Go Big or Go Home, The Curiosity Muscle, and All In Startup, illustrates the profound impact of seeking better answers and solutions. From Diana, we learn that growth is fueled by curiosity, pushing us to explore beyond the horizon. Visit her website: dianakander.com
Bonnie St. John was the first person who gifted to me how to serve clients in this business as a professional speaker. She is a Rhode Scholar and the first Black American of African descent to win a medal in downhill skiing…and…on one leg! She remains a confidant of mine. Bonnie’s resilience teaches us the value of recovery and persistence. Her literature, such as Micro-Resilience, How Great Women Lead, and Live Your Joy, shares insights into overcoming setbacks and enhancing personal and professional growth. Bonnie exemplifies that true champions are those who rise swiftly after a fall. Visit her website: bonniestjohn.com
Vote Your Preference!
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One Action Step: Leap Forward
Work Your Plan: This week’s insight is a reminder of the power of persistence. Even when progress seems slow, trust in your strategy and keep pushing forward. The growth path is often a marathon, not a sprint. Your commitment to your plan will navigate you through stagnant waters into the realms of success.
Stay connected, I’d love to hear from you. Connect with me on social media to stay updated on my latest adventures and insights. Just follow the links at the bottom of this newsletter.
Do you have an event that you would like me to speak at, or do you have a referral you can suggest? Please send us a note.
Have a wonderful weekend and see you next Friday!
Go forth and inspire your world,
— JR
Important Links:
Do you have a story to share or a person to highlight please share with me at newsletter@johnregister.com.
Have an event coming up? Let’s talk, send me an email at letschat@johnregister.com or call me at 719-357-6833.
Download my one-page Speaker Sheet | see me on stage.
Adversity to Advantage Newsletter: Amputate to Amplify: Inspire – Impact – Transcend
Leadership Insights: A Valentine’s Edition
Your Weekly Dose of Inspirational Growth
FEBRUARY 9, 2024 | Volume I, Issue 5
Hello Transformative Leaders!
Love is in the air. This Week’s Leadership Insights: A Valentine’s Edition.
Help Shape Our Future Content!
We’re always looking to provide the most valuable and insightful content for our community. As we plan our upcoming editions, we’d love to hear what topics you’re most interested in. Your suggestions will directly influence our focus, ensuring we cover what matters most to you.
What topics would you like to see in future newsletters?
Vote for one — click the link you want below to record your vote.
- Leadership challenges and solutions
- Personal growth and overcoming adversity
- The power of resilience in personal and professional life
Three Insights to Lead with Love:
1.) Empower with Empathy:
Like sharing Valentine’s cards, leadership is about expressing appreciation and empowering others. Emphasize the importance of genuine care for your team’s success and well-being.
2.) Transform Envy into Encouragement:
Use the spirit of Valentine’s Day to transform envy within your team into mutual encouragement. Celebrate each other’s successes as if they were your own, fostering a culture of support and positivity.
3.) Actionable Generosity:
Zig Ziglar’s wisdom teaches us that helping others achieve their goals is the pathway to achieving our own. Implement daily acts of kindness and support, making generosity a cornerstone of your leadership.
Two People to Follow:
Jason O. Harris talks about “No Fail Trust” and empowers leaders and teams through a culture of commitment, accountability, and trust. He has been featured on the History Channel and PBS. Since 2018, he has been on a mission to inspire and nurture authentic leadership, one person, one team, and one organization at a time through the power of trust. Check him out at www.jasonoharris.com.
I have spoken about Sylvie di Giusto before. She is the one who moves ordinary to extraordinary. A powerhouse in Emotional Intelligence, Sylvie practices what she preaches a and give her audiences the power of choice to determine their greatest outcomes in leadership, sales, and customer service. Follow her at sylviedigiusto.com.
One Amazing Idea to Implement
Valentine’s Day Leadership Challenge: Launch a “14 Days of Kindness” initiative within your organization. Encourage team members to perform one act of kindness for a colleague each day until Valentine’s Day. This could range from writing a note of appreciation to offering help with a challenging task. Celebrate these acts of kindness in a shared space, whether it’s a physical bulletin board or a digital platform, to inspire and spread positivity throughout your organization.
Stay connected, I’d love to hear from you. Connect with me on social media to stay updated on my latest adventures and insights. Just follow the links at the bottom of this newsletter.
Do you have an event that you would like me to speak at, or do you have a referral you can suggest? Please send us a note.
Have a wonderful weekend and see you next Friday!
Go forth and inspire your world,
— JR
Important Links:
Do you have a story to share or a person to highlight please share with me at newsletter@johnregister.com.
Have an event coming up? Let’s talk, send me an email at letschat@johnregister.com or call me at 719-357-6833.
Download my one-page Speaker Sheet | see me on stage.
Adversity to Advantage Newsletter: Amputate to Amplify: Inspire – Impact – Transcend
Podcast: Overcoming Headtrash & Challenges as a Leader
How I Turned the Corner Podcast
Overcoming Headtrash & Challenges as a Leader – An Interview With John Register, CSP
With host Kendra Prospero | Recorded: October 10, 2023
About this podcast:
From world-class athlete to amputee, join expert John Register, CSP as he shatters barriers, embraces a new vision, and guides business leaders to overcome fear and resistance in order to achieve success.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Unlock your potential by overcoming adversity and embracing a new mindset.
- Stay ahead in the global marketplace by adapting and flexing with changing trends.
- Experience the economic benefits of creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Gain a competitive advantage with diversity and inclusion initiatives that outperform the competition and tap into new labor markets.
- Embrace change and diversity to stay relevant in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.
- Our special guest on this episode is John Register.
Listen to the podcast interview on: YouTube | Google | Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio
Find the podcast on Turning the Corner
About John:
John Register is a renowned leadership coach and speaker with a wealth of expertise in empowering business professionals to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. As a former world-class athlete and combat army veteran, John’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination. After a severe accident resulted in the loss of his leg, John didn’t let adversity define him. Instead, he embarked on a remarkable path of personal and professional growth. He became a Paralympic swimmer and long jump silver medalist, showcasing his unwavering commitment to excellence. Not content with his own success, John established the Paralympic Military Sport Program, a groundbreaking initiative that harnesses the power of sports to aid in the rehabilitation of wounded service members. With his extensive knowledge and practical strategies, John helps leaders overcome challenges, conquer their fears, and embrace a new normal mindset. His insights and guidance serve as a catalyst for personal and organizational transformation.
Veterans Day: The Oath to Serve and Protect
Today is November 11th also known as Veterans Day. One of the beautiful acknowledgments that often comes to veterans like me, is the phrase, “thank you for your service.”
I appreciate the gestures. Sometimes it is difficult to hear because I was just doing my job.
Here’s the deal. The people I meet who say, “thank you for your service,” are genuine. However, many articulate and refer to my service and protecting our freedoms.
Some of my battle buddies did not serve during combat. Does that mean their service was less? We’re they not protecting our freedoms?
Though I was in combat, I did not experience it the same as Vietnam Veterans, or Iraqi Freedom Veterans.
When I was building the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s Paralympic Military Sport Program, I was asked by military installations to vetting community organizations that desired. Leadership was cautious about organizations only wanting to support combat-injured veterans. The reason being is that philosophy divides the troops.
I can’t tell you how many times I heard a vet say, “well, I wasn’t injured in combat,” after being thanked for their service.
It is also not a sustainable business practice. When the wars end, there are no more combat-related vets to support.
So, on this Veterans Day, think about what each veteran, whether out of service or on active duty who made it beyond 180 days in the military, has in common. The commonality for me is our oath of service.
We all raised our right and swore to, “protect and defend United States Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic and to bare true faith and allegiance to the same.”
When we separated from service no one ever came during our “exit interview” to un-oath us. My question becomes when was the last time you read the US Constitution?
This Veterans Day may be the way we can thank a vet is by downloading the US Constitution and read:
- The Preamble
- The Articles
- The Amendments
Once you complete that, go and thank a veteran for protecting and defending the US Constitution.
That would, in my opinion, be appropriate.
Have a great Veterans Day and go forth and inspire your world.
— JR
#usarmy #combatveteran #intersectionality
Join John LIVE most Thursdays at 7am Mountain Time on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.
Magazine Feature
Featured on the cover of DIVERSEability Magazine this month!
Here’s the article:
John Register – Demand Your Place in the Space
Interview and Story by Tawanah Reeves-Ligon | Read full article
Article links:
Read the full article on the DiversityComm Website by Tawanah Reeves-Ligon
DIVERSEability – LinkedIn post about the article — share this article and connect with us!
A Message from John:
As we continue to inspire worlds we are fortunate to come alongside others who are doing the same. I want to send a huge thank you to DiversityComm for this honor to be the cover feature for the Fall 2022 DIVERSEability Magazine!
Thank you to the President and Founder of DiversityComm, Mona Lisa Faris-Placey, and her leadership at DiversityComm for creating space for these conversations! And thank you to the Managing Editor, Tawanah Reeves-Ligon for the time to interview as well as the DiversityComm team for all the work that goes into the publication for our community.
#DIVERSEability #diversitycomm #diversity #disability #DemandYourPlaceInTheSpace
Photography: Danielle Trina Photography
“When our truth outweighs our fear, we will commit to a courageous life.” – John Register
Coca-Cola Headquarters
Embracing the New Normal
On March 5, 2019, one year before the world shut down I had the opportunity to be the keynote speaker for some amazing leaders at the Coca-Cola Headquarters in Atlanta Georgia. The topic was how to embrace a new normal mindset. None of us knew the pivots we’d have to make just one year later.
This team encouraged me by sharing systems and processes that have not only kept them in business but have them thrive. When I think of this time at Coca-Cola I always think of excellence in product and longevity.
What do you believe is your magic sauce that will make your business viable for over 130 years?
#business #excellence #longevity #newnormalmindset
Stay connected, engage, and up to date with John and Inspired Communications International on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube
You Have Value
Important Jumps
You have the courage to commit to your vision and your dreams, but we all have things we need to clear, and areas we must hurdle in front of us. This is where my passion lies in getting people to make those courageously important jumps in their lives.
You have value! Your vision has value and what you desire to do and the outcome that you are pushing yourself towards has great value. Sometimes we are looking, chasing, or following the dreams of someone else or following societal dreams. I believe what is inside of us during our difficulty in our time of testing is what comes out of us when we are in the test.
Do we have the courage to seek our truth even if it means we do not belong to get to our new normal mindset?
“Mindset is the oxygen needed to survive our changing environment.” -JR
#johnregister #silvermedalist #amputatefear #hurdleadversity
Photographer: Danielle Trina Photography
Stay connected, engage, and up to date with John and Inspired Communications International on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube
Finding Focus
Attention
What are the rituals you have in place to create a rhythm that will create a strong foundation for your New Normal? How will you use your trials to elevate your own existence? Attention is the currency of performance.
Sometimes we must unlearn to learn. What is your mindsight and how will you get there? Is there a pathway? I believe resilience comes from the times we look back at overcoming.
Wherever your journey finds you… FOCUS. Focus to the point that your vision becomes so incredibly clear all you must do now is jump. Make the jump yours!
“The new normal mindset is not a destination, but rather a plateau by which we grow.” -JR
#johnregister #silvermedalist #amputatefear #hurdleadversity
Stay connected, engage, and up to date with John and Inspired Communications International on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube
Always Follow Your Path
Throwback Thursday Memory!
I used to get teased by some jocks in high school for singing in high school choirs. Some years later I was invited to sing the National Anthem at Double Day Field at MLB All-Star Game. Ken Griffey Jr. came up afterward and said, “great job,” and took a photo with me.
Always follow your path. Other people’s opinion of you is none of your business. -JR
#dream #jump #hurdleadversity