Embracing Significance

6 to 11??– Bullied for being overweight – turned into a class clown to hide the internal pain.

11 to 17 – Self bullying continued and, at 16, because of all the worrying and internal stress, got a stomach ulcer.

@17 years old – Drew a line in the sand, decided to change and started to read personal development books as well as join a martial arts club (Ki Aikido)

@21 years old – Birth of my beautiful daughter – Happiness, anxiety, and responsibility were some of the emotions that engulfed me. I also started to teach my martial arts.

@23 years old I became one of the youngest blackbelts in our martial arts, which brought further confidence and development. I continue to practice to this day, which has become part of my personal inner growth as this particular art is much more a way of life which positively builds you mentally, physically, emotionally, as well as spiritually.??

@24 years old – Divorced and moved back home with my parents. This made me question myself a lot; Was I a failure? How could I be and remain a good dad? Much of that self-bullying was still there. Recovery is a journey, … a marathon, certainly not a sprint.

@37 years old – Death of a very dear friend which devastated me and brought me to my knees. Yes, I cried…(Grown men DO that too)

@47 years old, due to my continuous quest for personal growth, I discovered coaching and realized I had been coaching for several decades already. I really enjoyed the process and attended many weekly extra sessions while spending much time in hotels. I not only did the 7-month beginners course but also the intermediate and advanced courses over a 2 year period with an amazing group of people at Coaching Cognition, led by a tremendous master coach, Barbara?

@50 years old – Joined the John Maxwell team in 2012 and became certified in coaching, training, speaking, and leadership development there too.

I experienced a Life Changing experience on a trip to Guatemala with a group of John Maxwell team coaches, led by John himself in 2013. There we were privileged to be part of the start of Transformation of that beautiful country. I finally found Significance.?

@51 years old – Quit my job in the oil industry. A decision made on the way home from Guatemala. To experience what I just had in such a short period of time, only 7 days, left me fulfilled with my heart overflowing with gratitude. To facilitate o process of values that not only was very much appreciated by all those 19,000 people from all walks of life we trained but, unexpectedly, also filled our cups, was something difficult to describe as I sat there thinking about it on the way home on those 3 plane trips. I had been searching for that one thing, that missing piece in my jigsaw, that which an ever louder voice deep inside me had prepared me for over many years. I found it in Guatemala and it was a case of: If not now, when? If not this, what? And if not me, who? It was a no-brainer!

As John Maxwell had mentioned before:”Once you have tasted significance, success will never be enough” I finally understood that and, Of course, he was right??

I started working with Les Brown, something I had talked about for several decades, which now materialized, and also became a Values Based Leadership specialist in Berlin, Ohio so I could train others to experience feelings similar to those I had in Guatemala. This is something I do globally with many people transforming their lives and businesses through this powerful program.

@52 years old – Started our Ki leadership Institute with a partner, Arthie Moore who I met at one of the Maxwell International Certification events in Orlando. I had set my intentions to collaborate/partner with someone from Africa.

@58 years old – Married my partner and friend, Dr.Arthie Moore-Robberts.

Yes, she recently received her professional Doctorate on Diversity & Inclusion and Leadership from The Oxbridge Institute for Professionals in the UK.

@59 years old – As I moved into my 60th?year, I am still developing and staying relevant as I recently completed my 3rd?coaching course.

The reason I am telling you about my journey is, because of the deep insights I got from it and the impact on my life and I know that this will serve as a guide for people who seek something new or different.

I have always invested in myself; From those early books, which soon replaced any newspapers to the amusement of my friends and colleagues, to seminars and courses on speaking, leadership, coaching, and mindpower, as well as surrounding myself with amazing people, which include some life-long friends!

I discovered throughout the years that our mindset is a huge asset, which is often under used as people do not understand WHAT it is, HOW to develop it, or HOW to integrate it in their lives and businesses successfully. We now work with organizations and its people to support this incredible growth.

To change, grow, or upgrade your mindset will not ever happen overnight. Yes, you might have a light-bulb moment…or two, but working on you is a marathon, not a sprint.

Over those many years, I have always spoken out about injustices at work as well as in life. I found my voice, but it wasn’t always easy. By speaking my truth, I have landed in hot water on ‘several’ occasions…and still do.?

There are so many people of all ages who have a story; A much better one than mine and one that others need and deserve to hear. However, with all the fears surrounding public speaking, most are defeated before they ever start…by themselves! Add to that any advice from well-meaning family and friends when you tell them about your purpose, your need to tell your story, and through their discouragement sadly, your voice remains silent, and your story untold.

I am here to tell you that you all have a story, that needs to be heard. You also have a voice. Use it for all the good you can and will do. Then delay no longer, as nobody knows how many tomorrows we still have.

You have a story. You have a voice. THIS is your time.

Contact me directly for more information about how I can become your speaker coach on:?[email protected] or fill in the form on my website:?www.jrspeakersclub.com