L-R Mark Watson, Olivia Leemon, Quentin Smith, and Coach Al Sturgeon
Last week I had the good fortune of spending time with the captains of Blackburn College’ Cross Country team. My lifelong friend Al Sturgeon, VP for Diverse and Equitable Student Life, and now cross country coach did an eight week leadership series as part of their training as captains. We completed their series on our campus at BUNN talking about Joyous Leadership. It was fun to hear their stories of what drew them into leadership. Read more on their training here:> Blackburn Leadership CC
Welcome to Joyous Leadership! Joyous Leadership – Stories of Learnings Along the Way is the title of my new book that released January 18, 2022. The book chronicles my career and life lessons as I chased happiness but found joy. I begin with early life experiences and continue to where I am now with lessons and learnings along the way.
To make sure you have the latest speaking events and book signings, make sure you sign up below or send an email to johnmarkwatson@gmail.com. I would love for you to join in on the conversation.
February 26th was a weekend to remember for me. It was my first ever book signings and then capped off with a presentation on Monday at Arkansas State University with Chancellor’s Leadership Class.
The weekend started with a book signing on Saturday at the Senior Bees Community center where new and old friends gathered to hear about Joyous Leadership and reminisce on old times. It was great to see new friends and old friends/coworkers from days past. I love my old Trumann team!
Sunday was a day of worship and then another book signing in the lobby of 7th and Mueller’s CEC building. The highlight of this signing was my fourth grade teacher, Betty Gatlin, coming to purchase a book and to get her book signed in person.
Monday we trekked down to Arkansas State University’s Delta Business Center to cap off a long weekend speaking to a wonderful group of students that were selected into the Chancellor’s Leadership Class. I loved their energy and enthusiasm.
Tuesday evening I participated in a private group on Zoom known as the Campfire Leadership Team. This is a group of leaders from across the Midwest and Northeast that gather to energize and support one another. We always enjoy our time together and it never fails that everyone learns something new at each gathering. We are planning a retreat and service project this summer. It will be so good to finally get together again!
To end a busy week, I presented Joyous Leadership to Innovate Springfield. This is a group of leaders that help to serve as an incubator for new business launches. It is such a fun and energizing group to be a part of.
I’m so excited and nervous at the same time. It seems I’m having to make decisions so fast about things I know so little about. I’ve been fortunate to speak with a few other authors for advice, but it seems we all have different circumstances and different objectives that make no two books alike.
The interior layout is still in process along with the back cover and a few other pesky details. As for now, we move a few steps closer. Hardback, paperback, eBook, and audio are all being done simultaneous. Fingers crossed!
If you haven’t done so already, sign up for updates!
I received the final content edits back from my editor this week! This has been such a fun and learning experience. Next week I will meet with the line item editor, layout editor, and cover designer. Still a lot of time consuming work but definitely getting closer to reality.
Here’s where I need your help. The publisher wants me to gather as many email addresses as possible of anyone who might be interested in reading Joyous Leadership. If you’ve already signed up, great! If you haven’t please do so below. I would be also honored if you would forward the link to any of your friends, family, or co-workers that might be interested. You will not get spam mail, only an occasional update as the launch date nears.
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