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MAY 3, 2024 | Volume I, Issue 17
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Dear Inspirational Leaders!
This week I had the great fortune to be on the Whiskey, Jazz, and Leadership podcast with Galen
Bingham. Galen used the metaphor of Whiskey and Jazz to curate an amazing
conversation. He asked thought-provoking questions like, “if you could pick anyone in the world to be on your board of directors which five people, living or dead, would you ask to serve?” Though the podcast hasn't been released, I wanted to share with you two leadership lessons I learned during his show and introduce you to three of the five of my "fictitious Board of Directors" for Inspired Communications International. And, since I am sharing with you, I invite you to connect and share with me as well, if you could pick anyone in the world to be on your board of directors which five people, living or dead, would you ask to serve?
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Whiskey, Jazz, and Leadership - Two Lessons I've Learned
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Lesson # 1 - Leadership, like whiskey,
requires time and patience for maturation. Now, I must admit, I do not drink,
so, I am not a whiskey connoisseur by any stretch of the imagination. But, I do
know that just as the finest whiskeys are aged to develop depth and character,
effective leadership is cultivated through experiences, becoming more richer
and impactful over time.
Lesson # 2 - Jazz, known for its improvisational brilliance, teaches us
the value of innovation and flexibility within a framework. I used to be the male
jazz vocalist in the Oak Park and River Forest High School Jazz band. When I
was asked to improvise I was terrified. I would have to make it up as the song
went along. What I discovered was just staying in the moment of the song and
not getting too far ahead made everything work out. Leaders must adapt swiftly
and creatively to changing circumstances, much like jazz musicians finding
harmony in spontaneity.
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Meet my "fictitious Board of Directors"
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Photo Credits: Madam C. J. Walker at age 42. Courtesy A'Lelia Bundles/Walker Family Collection.; Garrett Morgan Courtesy Alamy Stock Photo; Stock Montage / Contributor/ Archive Photos/ Getty Images
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Madam C.J. Walker is the first woman to become a self
made millionaire in the United States. She did not inherit money, but started her working as a young girl washing clothes. She eventually created hair care products for black women, growing her business into an million-dollar company. She then helped others to become successful business
people. Definitely someone to be on the winning team. Welcome to the Board of Directors Madame C.J. Walker!
Garrett Morgan is the gentleman who invented the fire hood, which
was the early form of the gas mask. He also invented the three-system traffic
light. Another African American who changed the world, but the question I want
to ask him, is what was my Grandfather “Daddy Current” like as a boy? You see, both
grew up in Paris, KY.
Benjamin Banneker was a mathematician, surveyor, astronomer, and
publisher of a series of almanacs. This Black “free” man created almanacs that
are still in use today. He was the one of the original six-man team to help survey and design what is now Washington DC. Not only that, he challenged Thomas Jefferson with the paradox of the
Jefferson’s slaveholding and authorship of The Declaration of Independence. I
am intrigued by him and would love to pick his mind.
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Two connections for this week
This week, I encourage you to connect with two exceptional thought
leaders. Both were recognized with me as one of the top 50 Global Leadership
speakers in the world by Real-Leaders
Magazine. They are Simon Sinek and Brené Brown.
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Simon, is an unshakable optimist, explores leadership, culture, and innovation, offering insights on finding your ‘why.’ His teaching and podcast, A Bit of Optimism, are essential for those looking to inspire and lead.
Brené Brown, a guru on courage, vulnerability, and resilience, speaker to the heart of empathetic leadership. Like me, or I like her, explore the power of leading with openness and strength – a resonant message for all leaders. She is back on her podcast entitled, Unlocking Us.
Check them both out if you haven't already. You will thank me later!
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Action step for next week
This week, take a strategy from the book, ‘Think and Grow Rich', by Napolean Hill. Write down the five people, dead or alive, that you can add to your board of directors. With the imagination, or even with ChatGPT or other generative AI’s you can have a conversation with them.
Discuss actionable ways to incorporate these lessons into daily operations, decision-making processes, and interpersonal relationships within the team.
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If you are interested in hosting an in-person Speaker Showcase in your town, reach out let’s chat and see how we can collaborate - #bettertogether.
The next speaker showcase will be on May 9th, in Raleigh, NC. If you are in the Raleigh area, register here, and join us at The Commons 150 Fayetteville Street, Suite 30 at 5:00 pm ET. You will have an opportunity to meet other leaders and hear from two amazing speakers. Light spirits and snacks will be provided.
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Do you want more info on joining the JR 90 Day Sprint Community? Visit the Sprint Challenge website. We have an all star facilitation team to lead us
through some amazing leadership lessons.
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The Podcast 🎧 Did you catch the latest episode on "Performance Shift"?! It was epic!
Make sure you're all 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.
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Speaking of podcast, I was featured on the podcast America Tonight with Kate Delaney. You can listen to me speak on the 'Amazing Americans' segment here.
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Did you know LinkedIn has a bell notification feature? Make sure you have clicked on your notification bell to get the latest and greatest updates from me. Engage, like, comment on my posts; I love interacting with you all and answering questions on the site.
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SHOP NOW
The essence of courage, resilience, and empowerment through the lens of John Register's remarkable story: - 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.
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Thank you all for being a part of the community! Before closing out this weeks newsletter, I want to share with you that I will be rolling out a referral program in the next couple of weeks. Connect with me to learn more about receiving a commission if you refer me to speak and it turns into an opportunity. Let's make this happen, together!
Have a great day and go forth and inspire your world.
John
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We hope you like our emails. If you don't, simply unsubscribe. Message sent by: Inspired Communications International, LLC, Colorado Springs, CO (719) 357-6833 | www.johnregister.com
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