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My Observation: Look Around Your Team
When I look around at great teams, I notice: growth isn’t accidental.
It’s intentional.
Too often, leaders get caught up proving instead of improving.
They defend their positions instead of developing their people.
During my conversation with Brandon Eldridge, Executive Director of the Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center, he reminded me that true leadership is about creating the environment where others can discover their own.
We talked about what it means to lead differently, to trade ego for empathy, isolation for inclusion and that service is the strategy.
When leaders invest in connection, they create cultures that innovate.
When they choose service over status, their teams begin to thrive.
Because leadership is not about rising above.
It’s about creating space for others to rise.
This Week’s Takeaways
Ego → Elevation
Amputate self-importance to amplify team impact. The moment you let go of proving, you open the door to improving.
Service is the Strategy
Servant leadership isn’t soft, it’s the strongest form of influence there is. When you serve first, you lead best.
Innovation requires Inclusion
The future belongs to leaders who make space for every voice. True innovation begins when everyone is seen, heard, and valued.
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“Growth doesn’t happen when you prove your worth, it happens when you improve your people.”
From the Desk of JR
“When life amputates your plan, elevate your purpose.”
That line has guided me through every transition, from losing my leg to standing on the Paralympic podium, to coaching executive leaders navigate their high-stakes seasons of change.
But I want to hear from you, my community:
What does this mean to you?
When life amputates your plan, what helps you elevate your purpose?
Drop your comments on the mentimeter, I will share results on LinkedIn.
Your insight might just inspire someone else’s breakthrough.
Less than 24 hours to Register for Elevation
This is your final call to secure your spot for Elevation—where inspiration meets execution.
Champion’s Corner: Gear Up for the Holidays
Represent your growth journey with Championship Gear—the official apparel of the Elevate Life community.
Saturday Leadership Lab
Ready to turn insight into action?
Join me for the Elevate Life: Saturday Leadership Lab—a hands-on session where we build your Five-Step Leadership Blueprint for alignment, influence, and purpose.
Membership is just $8.95/month or $99/year you can join at https://johnregister.beehiiv.com/
Where Veterans and Visionaries Collide
Join John Register Live at the Pikes Peak SBDC Veterans Small Business Conference-a day dedicated to empowering those who’ve served and those who lead.
This conference brings together veteran entrepreneurs, business leaders, and changemakers to spark new opportunities and build lasting impact.
Check details out here: 18th Annual Veterans Small Business Conference
Date: Friday, November 7 | 7:00am - 4:30pm
Location: Great Wolf Lodge | 9494 Federal Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80921
Go forth - Inspire your world
