Tag: Self-Improvement

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Blackburn College: Speaking on Joyous Leadership

In the past few weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to speak on Joyous Leadership at Blackburn College. The first occasion was the Cross County team and staff with my friend and coach, Al Sturgeon. They were celebrating the end of the season with a party and a walk down memory lane. It was my job to entertain but yet motivate the team for even greater things as they go through life.

The second occasion, a couple of weeks later, was to speak at a Leadership Conference hosted by Blackburn and SLIAC (St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference). This was a great conference that had speakers and interactive sessions to learn about leadership and leadership styles.

I always love my time with the students and faculty at Blackburn. It is a college, in my opinion, that is a jewel of the mid-west. Their model is everything is student led. Their motto is Learn, Work, Earn. You can graduate with little to no debt. What I like most about Blackburn is they are growing and producing leaders!

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I Might Have Overbooked!

An author friend told me to be careful and choose my bookings wisely. When he said that I sort of chuckled and thought, “I’m a new author. No one has heard of me. That won’t be a problem.” I have a deep-rooted history of learning things the hard way (read my book if you don’t believe it). Due to my inability to say “no”, I am pretty well booked for the remainder of 2022. I’m not saying there won’t be exceptions but they would need to be something with little to no travel, otherwise let’s look to 2023.

I must remember; I have a real job. Being an author and speaker are fun but for now I need to pay the bills! Check out my calendar here >

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Book Sales

Many of you have asked since my book release “how are the book sales going?” Most of the time I probably gave you a blank stare or just stumbled with an answer. The reason is, since it was my first book, I truly didn’t know. Here’s what I do know:

Reporting of sales are delayed by at least two calendar quarters. This is mainly to allow time for all the places that sell and the various media formats that sell have time to post their sales and returns. Yes, I do get returns, dang it!

Due to the two-quarter wait period, July was the first month I received a royalty check. All I can say so far is at least in the first quarter I’ve covered the publishing cost. Yea! That means the sales for the rest of year will hopefully cover all the other costs of production. In case you haven’t heard, unless you’re John Grisham, you probably won’t get rich publishing books.

I’ve still got a lot of book sales and promotions left so I’m optimistic about where this can go. I want to thank all of you who were my early supporters. This has been quite a ride and is looking like maybe there will be a second book in my future.

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I’m Turning 3 April 18th

Joyous Leadership turns 3 months old on Monday, April 18th. In some ways it seems like yesterday and in some ways it seems forever ago. The doors it has opened for conversation, growth, and healing have been amazing. I look forward to spending 2022 delving into Joy and Leadership with more amazing people.

If you’ve read the book, what were your favorite stories?

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Joyous Running – Blackburn College Style

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

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Stories Of Learnings Along The Way

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.

To see the latest blog post, click here:  https://johnmarkwatson.com/category/blog/

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Book Signings and Presentations (A BUSY WEEK!)

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 going to slow down a bit next week!