Episode 16: The Power of connection – Extraordinary people, extraordinary impact
Steve Bolton
Serial exited entrepreneur | Social-impact fund manager | Best-selling author | AI investor | Son of former AFC Bournemouth Captain
How do world-class leaders, industry pioneers, and visionaries come together to support a single mission??
What makes JAAQ a magnet for extraordinary individuals – from billionaire investors like Jim Mellon, to Happiness and AI thought-leader, Mo Gawdat ?
John Reynolds is a shareholder and Relationship Director at JAAQ with a gift for connecting people.??
In this episode, we take you behind the scenes to meet John and uncover how authentic conversations extraordinary people are helping shape the future of mental health – and why JAAQ’s work is more important than ever.
Watch episode 16 below
John Reynolds: A master connector with an extraordinary story
John Reynolds is a successful entrepreneur, media personality, and the host of Extraordinary Life Stories (ELS).?
But beyond his public persona, he is a man who has spent decades cultivating meaningful relationships with some of the world’s most influential figures.
His ability to bring people together is legendary.?
Whether it’s through business ventures, large-scale luxury property developments, exotic sport-fishing trips, or at F1 tracks around the world, John has built long-lasting friendships based on trust, authenticity, and a shared mission to create impact.
But what most people don’t know is that John once battled an intense fear of public speaking – something that held him back for years.?
Overcoming that fear transformed his career and paved the way for the incredible conversations he now shares with the world on his Podcast and Bloomberg TV Show.?
The Birth of Extraordinary Life Stories?
When asked about the origin story of ELS, John says:
"The idea came from my love of meaningful conversations. I wanted to learn from people’s lived experiences, to understand what made them tick and what mental-health challenges they might have faced on their journey. I wasn’t looking for clickbait or viral moments—I wanted real, deep, impactful discussions."
John's journey into media wasn’t an easy one, because even in his early 40s, speaking in front of an audience of ten or more people, once felt impossible.?
However, he realised that this irrational fear was holding him back.?
He made a commitment to himself to overcome his fear and by seeking support, challenging himself and regularly stepping outside of his comfort zone, he evolved into the confident and highly competent interviewer and speaker he is today.??
The JAAQ connection: How relationships drive change
John’s role at JAAQ isn’t just about bringing in big names – it’s about aligning with people who truly believe in the mission.?
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Through Extraordinary Life Stories and his personal connections, John has introduced JAAQ to some of its most valuable people:?
What’s special about the ELS conversations is that they aren’t just interviews. Many of these individuals have become advisors and advocates, helping to shape JAAQ’s future.
"It’s incredible to see how excited these leaders get about JAAQ. Watching them go from intrigued guests to passionate supporters and investors is a testament to what we’re building" - John Reynolds
Upcoming guests and what’s next
In this behind the scene’s episode, we see John have an extraordinary conversation with:?
Every guest on ELS brings new perspectives, insights, and real-world experience to the table, shaping the way JAAQ supports people across the globe.?
Final thoughts: The power of authentic connection
This episode is a reminder that deep, meaningful relationships are the foundation of real change.?
It’s not about who you know – it’s about how you connect, how you align on values, and how you work together toward a greater purpose.
John Reynolds exemplifies this philosophy, and through his work, JAAQ continues to attract some of the brightest minds in the world – people who are helping us build something truly transformative.
If you haven’t already, I highly recommend checking out Extraordinary Life Stories on Bloomberg TV or Spotify.?
If someone you care about needs mental health support, please recommend JAAQ.ORG.??
JAAQ gives free and confidential mental health guidance to anyone, anywhere, anytime.?
Thank you for being part of The JAAQ Journey.??
Together, we can make a difference.?
Until next time,?
Be well.?
Exited Entrepreneur, Investor, Mentor, Consultant (leadership, sales, marketing, commercial)
3 周Great to see lots of love for John - well deserved. A top chap!
Creative Wellbeing Lead at ADHD360. TEDx and International Speaker. Mindfulness Rebel. Creator of Funfulness?. Recovering Accountant. Pink.
3 周John is one of the best humans I have ever met - a true gent and a real selfless connector!!!
Director at Perfect Rooms 4 u Ltd
4 周Same here i joined same franchise because of John. A great guy and I love his extraordinary life stories. He reminds me of a young Michael Parkinson who was a master in his craft .
... and the most important introduction was John Reynolds recruiting me into a well known property franchise in 2010! ?? Great guy!