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
1. Cut Through the Clutter: At the heart of Ryan’s story is the theme of cutting through the clutter—eliminating the excess of negative emotions and distractions that cloud our judgment and impede our progress. For us as executives, we often grapple with the complexities of leadership, from navigating strategic pitfalls to managing organizational dynamics. Ryan’s perspective invites us to reconsider our priorities, emphasizing the essence of focusing on what genuinely adds value to our lives and our companies. It’s a call to embrace simplicity, stripping away the superficial to reveal and nurture the core drivers of personal and professional fulfillment.
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
