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
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
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
Join John LIVE most Thursdays at 7am Mountain Time on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.
Inspiration from 2008 Olympian and Silver Medalist Emily Silver
Emily Silver (on Twitter @Emily_Silver) never says quit. It is just not in her vocabulary!
At the 2008 Summer Olympics, Silver earned a silver medal swimming in the heats of the 4×100 m freestyle. But little did she know it was a long painful journey to reach the pool deck on that day.
[image-shortcode url=”https://johnregister.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/emily-silver.jpeg” size=”100″ align=”left”]Her story of hurdling adversity, like many of us, are filled with highs, lows and everything in between.
You see, after Emily qualified for Beijing in the 100m freestyle and secured a spot on the 4x100m relay at the U.S. Swim Trials she was confronted with a choice. Should she scratch from 50m Freestyle which was her next event? She already had accomplished her Olympic dream. A dream that began when she was only 7 years old. Her finish in the 100 Freestyle had placed her on the team. Or should she just go ahead and swim it.
She basked in the solace of knowing that her dream had just been realized. Yet, there was still one more race to go.
Her coach thought that she should swim the 50 meters. After all she did make the qualifying standard and therefore earned a lane in the 50m Prelims
Emily’s final decision was to move forward and swim the 50m Free.
She lined up in her lane for the big race!
2008 Prelims 50m Freestyle
“5o meter Freestyle… Step Up” the starters voice cracked through the still air of the natatorium.
It was the 12 heat of 12 in the Omaha indoor pool.
The 50m freestyle is just a pure sprint. Like the 100m in track and field, the winner of this race gets bragging rights as the fastest swimmer in the United States.
Emil y stepped up the short ladder to the starting block and shook her arms free. She adjusted her goggles one last time. She was in the lane 3 just next Dara Torres in lane 4 who would later become the oldest swimmer in U.S. History to compete for the Olympic Team.
“Take your mark.” The voice of the starter was low and matter of fact.
She bent over and grabbed the front of the block below her allowing herself to rock slightly backward in order to position herself properly to rocket into the pool.
“Beep” the tone went off an Emily sprung from the platform. Her lean and muscular 5’11” frame broke the water surface and she slipped below in a perfect streamline (a swimmer’s body position which allows such a shape for moving through the water with the least amount of resistance) and resurfaced with a thunderous kick while symmetrically churning her arms in rhythmic cadence as she drew near to the end of race.
When she touched the wall with her hand, she looked up and saw that she was in the top of the field and would advance to the semi finals. She had finished 12th and was 1.07 sec behind Lara Jackson who was the fastest qualifier posting an American Record in the process.
2008 Semi-Finals 50m Freestyle
In the semi’s Emily drew lane one.
The same sequence happened in the semi’s. The starter called the ladies to their mark and when all were ready, he commanded set, and then the tone sounded.
Emily again went smooth into the water and churned a wake as if she had an outboard motor strapped to the end of her feet. She pressed herself to make it to the finals. Maybe this would be the day!
She neared the wall and pressed her body forward, head down, goggles down, hand outstretched for the touch against the timing pad! She extended and when her hand hit the wall she felt excruciating pain.
She had not qualified for the finals. She finished 12th overall.
She was rushed to the doctors off and told the worst possible news. She touched the wall on her finish in such a way that her hand broke in two places.
What goes through a persons mind.
She just had the highest of highs making the Olympic Team on the 4x100m Fr Relay. Her dream realized! And now, devastation. With just a few short months before the games she has a broken hand.
What did she do?
Well I caught up with this remarkable young lady at Reach the Peak, a program sponsored by the United States Olympic Committee to help potential athletes prepare for the next games, and got her perspective on what she did to get herself ready for the 2008 Olympics Games in Beijing after breaking her hand.
Take a listen to our quick 3:00 min interview to hear the rest of the story!
Enjoy the clip