In this heartwarming and inspiring episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Ruby Kast, a remarkable woman who just turned 96 in January. Ruby, who still works full-time as a substitute teacher at Birch Lane Elementary, shares her incredible journey and the invaluable lessons she's learned along the way.

Ruby's story is one of resilience, passion, and an undying commitment to making a difference in the lives of young students. At 96, she continues to live her mission every single day, radiating positivity and a zest for life that is truly infectious. We delve into topics like the importance of attitude and choices, the secrets to her happiness and longevity, and her unique approach to teaching, which prioritizes children over curriculum.

Ruby's wisdom and humor shine throughout our conversation. From her insights on building meaningful connections to the joy she finds in making others happy, Ruby’s perspective is both refreshing and enlightening. This episode is packed with love, laughter, and life lessons that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.

Join me for a conversation that transcends generations and reminds us all of the power of kindness, purpose, and a positive mindset. Don’t miss out on the chance to learn from Ruby’s extraordinary life and her timeless wisdom.

Tune in, and let’s celebrate the incredible journey of Ruby Kast!

Here are a few additional resources for you...

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.

Join me for my Day of Development! You’ll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You’ll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It’s time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

Today’s episode is a solo cast where I share key tips for an amazing 2025!

I discuss the importance of choosing one meaningful word to guide your actions and decisions throughout the year. It's not just about what you aim to achieve, but who you want to become.

We'll explore essential themes such as commitments over goals, the interplay between vision (telescope) and daily focused actions (microscope), and facing challenges with resilience. Discover key strategies to maintain focus, overcome adversity, and the power of a supportive community.

Join me as we leap into 2025 with intentional, purpose-driven action. Pick your word, commit to the process, and let's make this your best year yet!

Join me in the FREE One Word Challenge here!

Here’s a few additional resources for you…

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.

Join me for my Day of Development! You’ll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You’ll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It’s time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

In this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I sit down with the powerful and courageous Jade Simmons. Jade is a classically trained pianist who has transformed her musical career into an awe-inspiring journey of speaking and performing. Our conversation delves deeply into the empowering nature of understanding one's true purpose.

We also discuss her transition from classical concerts to innovative "keynote concert adventures," where she blends music, storytelling, and motivational speaking. Whether it's through a powerful piano piece or a signature end-performance rap, Jade makes a profound impact.

Our chat moves into practical advice for the listeners as Jade and I unpack the concept that one's potential is like a seed, holding everything needed for growth. We talk about the importance of curiosity, flexible planning, and unwavering commitment that transcends the fear of rejection. Jade's insights on how to rebound quickly from challenges and not take negativity personally are both enlightening and motivating.

This episode is a rich blend of inspiration, practical advice, and profound insights that will encourage you to live out your purpose with confidence and resilience.
Tune in, be inspired, and discover the audacity to believe in your worth, challenge norms, and make a significant impact in your world.

About Jade,

Nicknamed “Classical Music’s #1 Maverick” and named one of the Best Keynote Speakers, Jade Simmons is a creator of transformational adventures that span Rachmaninoff all the way to rap and include virtuoso storytelling, uncommon insights, and boundless inspiration.

Jade is the best-selling author of Purpose the Remix: A Mind-Blowing Re-understanding of Purpose and How it Works and Audacious Prayers for World Changers: Live and Pray Out Loud. As a female entrepreneur, and acclaimed creator of life-altering main stage experiences, Jade Simmons is a born storyteller and a purpose whisperer to the world’s superlative brands.

Check out more about Jade on her website by clicking here!

Here's a few additional resources for you...

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.

Join me for my Day of Development! You’ll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You’ll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It’s time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

In this episode, I’m thrilled to have Angela Redding from the Radiant Foundation joining us. Angela dives into some eye-opening research on faith and its portrayal in the media. You’ll hear about the surprising disconnect between the reality of faith in people's lives and how it’s depicted in news and entertainment.

Angela shares compelling statistics and real stories that will challenge your perceptions and inspire you to think differently about the power of faith in our everyday lives. Whether you're a person of faith or simply interested in media representations, this conversation is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

Tune in for a thoughtful and transformative discussion on faith, media, and authenticity!

You can find more about Angela's valuable work and the Faith and Media Initiative at faithandmedia.com.

About Angela,

Angela Nielsen Redding is a seasoned strategic leader with a robust background in building businesses, forging partnerships, and developing innovative strategies across the corporate, philanthropic, nonprofit, and media sectors. Currently, she serves as the Executive Director at Radiant Foundation, where she champions efforts to promote more accurate, balanced, and positive portrayals of all religions. Through Radiant Foundation, she fosters interfaith collaboration and cultivates opportunities for individuals to connect with a higher power, with a special emphasis on representation in news, entertainment and the exploding creator economy.

Before joining Radiant Foundation, Angela spearheaded innovation and partnerships for a Ford Motor Company technology subsidiary. Earlier in her career, she founded and led a media innovation trade association, overseeing investments in media companies at both multi-million and billion-dollar levels.

Angela’s career also spans a decade in nonprofit management and business consulting, where she worked with some of the world's most impactful corporations, nonprofits, and startups.

In her personal life, Angela is deeply involved in her community. She has led church youth groups in Northern California and Northern Utah, and taught gospel study courses. Above all, she enjoys spending quality time adventuring with her husband and young daughters.

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.

Join me for my Day of Development! You’ll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You’ll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It’s time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

In this episode, I have a heartfelt conversation with Kelly Siegel, entrepreneur and author of "Harder than Life." Kelly shares his incredible journey from a tough upbringing near 8 Mile Road in Detroit to becoming a successful entrepreneur.

We explore themes of personal development, balancing empathy with self-care, and the transformative power of overcoming trauma. Kelly discusses his pivotal decision to stop drinking alcohol and how it led to significant growth and clarity. We delve into faith, love, and purpose, examining how seeking divine guidance can foster spiritual and personal development.

Kelly also shares his mission to break the cycle of abuse for his daughter and his innovative coaching program designed to promote happiness and success. Our discussion highlights the importance of listening to God’s voice and making a positive impact.

About Kelly,

Kelly Siegel is the dynamic CEO of National Technology Management, known for his relentless dedication to excellence, integrity, and customer satisfaction in the tech industry. With over two decades of experience, Kelly has built a reputation for leading innovative solutions that secure and streamline business operations for a wide array of clients. Beyond his work in technology, Kelly is also a passionate coach, speaker, and founder of the Harder Than Life community, where he empowers individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve their highest potential. Kelly directs all Harder Than Life profits to three charities close to his heart: Face Addiction Now (where he is a current board member), The Children's Foundation, and Variety 5. His leadership is rooted in tenacity, family values, and a commitment to continuous improvement, inspiring others to make a meaningful impact both personally and professionally.

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.

Join me for my Day of Development! You’ll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You’ll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It’s time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

In this episode of my podcast, I share about the power of a circle and how the people in your circle will decide how fast and high you rise. I share insights about my new mentorship program, "Jon Gordon’s Circle”—a transformative journey for leaders and difference-makers.

We explore how you can elevate your personal and professional life by surrounding yourself with the right people, gaining mentorship, and contributing to a community where "iron sharpens iron." Whether you're already successful and looking for that next breakthrough or finding areas in your life where you need impactful change, this episode shares how we can go to the next level together.

Join me to learn more about making meaningful connections, building a support network, and tapping into the collective knowledge of some of the brightest minds around.

Check out more information on my Circle here!

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.

Join me for my Day of Development! You’ll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You’ll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It’s time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!