
Forward Friday: Celebrating an Incredible Milestone
Your Weekly Dose of Inspirational Growth
APRIL 5, 2024 | Volume I, Issue 13
Dear Inspirational Leaders!
In this week’s edition of Forward Friday, we’re taking a moment to celebrate an incredible milestone that’s close to my heart. I’ve been honored with a spot in the Top 50 Global Leadership Speakers by Real Leaders® Magazine, standing among legends like Tony Robbins, Mel Robbins, Daymond John, and Simon Sinek. This recognition is not just a personal achievement; it’s a testament to the journey we’ve embarked on together. If you would like to engage in the conversation please visit my LinkedIn and join us!
Here Are Three Key Insights from This Journey:
1. Ignite Your Passion and Pursue It: Discovering your true calling goes beyond the roles you’ve been assigned in life. My service as an Army Non-Commissioned Officer, soon to be Officer, and aspirations in the Olympic Games were significant, but the real turning point came after my injury. That’s when I found my true calling: to empower others to unlock their potential and share their gifts with the world. This burning desire became my compass, guiding me towards making a difference.
2. Embrace the Entrepreneur Within: The path from an idea to reality is paved with hard work and resilience. My entrepreneurial spirit was kindled early, from selling lemonade in Oak Park, IL, to venturing into businesses within the U.S. Army’s Community and Family Support Center and the United States Olympic Committee. Recognizing this spirit within me clarified why fitting into a conventional box was never my destiny. It’s a journey of self-discovery, realization, and embracing the hard work it takes to bring your visions to life.
3. Consistency Leads to Discovery: Staying true to your path and consistently delivering value will naturally attract your tribe. It’s surreal to see my name among the greatest influencers in the world. This recognition, five years in the making, is a reminder that perseverance is key. Inspired Communications is just beginning its journey, and I’m immensely thankful for the team and every single individual who’s been part of this adventure, especially my wife, Alice, for her unwavering support.
Two Connections for This Week
Alice Register is my rock and partner in every sense. Alice’s journey from supporting us through challenging times to realizing her dreams is nothing short of inspirational. Follow our travels and amazing experiences around the globe on Theluvhub.com and via Instagram @the_luvhub as we continue on this exciting adventure of life together.
Real Leaders® is a beacon for impact leadership and is committed to creating a better world by connecting visionary leaders. Their work is a continuous source of inspiration. Visit their website and follow them @real_leaders.
One Action Step for Next Week:
Reflect on your journey and identify one person or organization that has significantly contributed to your growth. Reach out to them with a message of gratitude. This act of acknowledgment not only strengthens your connections but also reminds us of the power of collective effort and support.
Bonus 🙌
Well, I mean, I have to thank some of the folks who made this recognition happen! Right?! This milestone is not just mine; it’s ours. It’s a reflection of our collective commitment to growth, transformation, and making a positive impact on the world. Let’s continue to push boundaries, inspire change, and lead with purpose.
I extend my deepest gratitude first and foremost to my clients, particularly the United States Army Accessions Command, whose Total Army Involvement in Recruiting program introduced me to the world of professional speaking.
I am equally thankful for the growth and opportunities afforded by the National Speakers Association and the invaluable partnerships with speaker bureaus that have amplified my voice across numerous stages.
Here are a few of the esteemed Speaker Bureaus that have been instrumental in my journey:
SpeakInc. | PK Speakers Bureau | GDA Speakers Bureau | Eagles Talent | Midwest Speakers Bureau | Washington Speakers Bureau | London Speakers Bureau | BigSpeak! | Premiere Speakers Bureau | Executive Speakers Bureau | Armstrong Speakers Bureau | Red Propeller Speakers Bureau | Speakers Unlimited | The U.S. Department of State Speaker Bureau
The Podcast
🎧 Check out the latest episode on “Performance Shift”. If you aren’t already, make sure you’re signed up to join the fun with me and Kat Koppett, organizational psychologist, improviser and theater owner, as we share our experiences, insights and tools for navigating change.
Amputate Fear
Break free from the shackles of fear that hold you back. Embrace courage and unleash your true potential.
Breathe Life
Let optimism and change propel you forward. Experience the transformative power of overcoming adversity and empowering others.
Hurdle Adversity
Turn obstacles into opportunities. Discover the resilience and determination within to conquer life’s challenges.
Vitam Spirare
Infuse each moment with purpose and passion. Embrace vitality and live life to the fullest.
Until next time, go forth and inspire your world. Keep moving forward.
— 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

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



