Black Belt Leadership

In this installment of Black Belt Leadership, Dr. John takes us where no man has gone before as he kicks things off with a nostalgic nod to Star Trek before exploring “The Blink.” Not only do our eyes blink, but so does our brain. We all experience brief mental pauses when our minds literally “blink,” causing us to miss important details, leading to gaps in memory and perspective. This is where having others around us can be invaluable to gain a clear, more reliableperspective. How they do that is the subject of this week’s teaching.

If you’ve ever found yourself making excuses or feeling trapped by self-imposed roadblocks, this Black Belt Leadership episode is for you. Dr. John unpacks the "BUT Effect"—those mental limitations we often set for ourselves—and provides actionable strategies to spot, shrink, and swap those limiting thoughts for empowering ones. Through step-by-step exercises, you'll learn how to break free from the habits that hold you back and start striving for Black Belt excellence in every area of your life.

What can Grover, the loveable, furry monster from Sesame Street, teach us about life? Turns out, a lot. In this installmentof Black Belt Leadership, Dr. John takes us on an unexpected journey from the world of Sesame Street’s Grover to classic films like Groundhog Day and The Shining. Every day is a fresh page in the book of our lives—will we keep rewriting the same old story, or are we ready to turn the page and see what’s next?

In this installment of Black Belt Leadership, Dr. John takes us beyond the banner, examining iconic sports dynasties like the Chicago Bulls and Green Bay Packers, exploring what truly sets champions apart—not just the trophies and banners, but the mindset and relentless pursuit of excellence that comes after the win, as well as how to bounce back after a losing season. Discover three powerful life lessons that can help you look beyond your own self-imposed “banners” and prepare for “What’s next?”

The iceberg that doomed the Titanic weighed more than 1.5 million tons. Yet, only a small portion of this massive chunk of ice was visible above the surface. What lies beneath our own lives may be more substantial, more influential, and more impactful than what others can see above the surface. Real growth, self-awareness, and leadership are cultivated below the surface. Get ready to discover the eight elements lurking beneath your own “waterline,” and learn how to embrace the lessons of the iceberg in your own life.

Welcome to another episode of the Black Belt Leadership Podcast where Dr. John takes us a fascinating journey from the ancient art of winemaking and applies it to the modern challenges of personal growth and leadership. Just as you can’t put new wine in an old wineskin, you can’t add new thoughts and ideas to a mind that’s closed, or can you? This is one of the questions Dr. John will answer in this week’s insightful lesson.

Where you plant yourself matters. That’s the topic of this week’s Black Belt Leadership podcast as Dr. John takes us on a nostalgic journey to the fables and parables we heard aschildren, and the powerful life lessons they teach us. One lesson, the Parable of the Sower, teaches a powerful lesson: growth depends on your environment. Whether you’re sowing seeds of personal development or nurturing your own leadership journey, this episode challenges you to examine where you’re planting yourself, who you let into your inner circle, and what might be holding you back.

You’ve heard it said, “Keep your eye on the prize,” but do you truly know what that entails? This episode is all about the indomitable power of vision, faith, and resilience on the journey to success. Dr. John reminds us from his own life lessons and the lessons of others us that reaching our goals isn’t just about working hard — it’s about staying focused on what truly matters, having faith and hope in the journey, and taking bold, intentional steps toward our own destiny.

Who's looking back at you when you look in the mirror? Is it you, or someone else? While we can admire our heroes and learn from mentors, we can never become someone else. The real power lies in embracing your unique self, discovering yourpurpose, and striving every day to be the best version of you. How we do that is the focus of this week's teaching.

In this installment of Black Belt Leadership, Dr. John unpacks how much tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Meta truly know about us from the data they collect, then asks: “How much do you truly know about YOU?” He then shares ten vital questions to guide you on a journey of self-discovery to “Know Thyself.” When you know yourself, your value, and your worth, you’re going to win.

Like cataracts, Opportunity Blindness can limit our field ofvision, preventing us from leveraging the opportunities all around us, often disguised as problems or challenges. What are the symptoms of Opportunity Blindness, and is there a cure? That's the topic of this week's lesson.

In this episode, Dr. Terry explores the powerful journey of personal growth and transformation that begins at birth and continues—if you let it—for a lifetime. He shares insights on why embracing change is essential, how growth shapes who we become, and why settling for "good enough" keeps usfrom reaching our true potential. Get ready to be inspired to pursue the next, even better version of yourself—because there’s always another you waiting to be discovered.

In this installment of Black Belt Leadership podcast, Dr. John challenges listeners to face down the giants in their lives. Whether that giant is doubt, fear, or limiting beliefs, this episode is about learning to think big, push beyondself-imposed limitations, and step into the greatness you’re meant for. Get ready for practical tips, thought-provoking insights, and a powerful challenge to boldly confront whatever is holding you back.

In this installment, Dr. John takes us on a nostalgic journey from childhood memories of Batman comics to a deep, thought-provoking lesson on the impact of the people we allow into our lives. Duality and hidden motives aren’t just the stuff of comic book villains; they’re traits we encounter in real-world relationships, too. Learn the five insights to avoid negativity and stay focused while avoiding the Two-Faces in your life.

In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. John explores what we can learn about leadership from the way viruses, vaccines, and even ticks operate. He unpacks how our minds, much like our bodies, can be “infected” with negative thinking—and why this negativity is so hard to shake. Getready to boost your mental immune system and take control of your thoughts, so you can become the best version of yourself.

Did you know silence is a sound? In this week’s Black Belt Leadership installment, Dr. John explores the often overlooked importance (and practical benefits) of silence. It’s a powerful tool for self-care, reflection, creativity, and even better communication. Silence can also serve as a catalyst for personal growth, enhancing your leadership skills in the process. Join us as we explore the sound of silence…

When you allow others to define your life, you find yourself chained to their image of you. In this Black Belt Leadership installment, we talk about how you can break free of the opinions of others and become the best version of yourself. If you’re ready to break free from what’s been holding you back and step confidently into the future, this episode will inspire and challenge you to become no longer bound.

True strength is often not found in meeting challenges head-on, but through yielding, adapting, and harnessing obstacles to our advantage. In this Black Belt Leadership installment,Dr. John focuses on how surrender can be a strategic tool for growth, innovation, and self-mastery. When we release control and embrace change, we can transform setbacks into setups for success.

What do strawberries have to do with personal growth? Turns out, a lot. In this installment of Black Belt Leadership,Dr. John reveals a powerful lesson about growth, leadership, and why establishing a strong root system is essential for success. It’s easy to focus on the fruit, but growth and success only happen when we focus on the root.

In this installment of Black Belt Leadership, Dr. John dives into the powerful pre-season ritual familiar to every athlete—those grueling early morning and late afternoon practices known as "two-a-days." There are deeper lessons behind the sweat: the importance of preparation, building mentaltoughness, and learning how to thrive as part of a high-performing team. In business, as in sports, preparation precedes performance.