Welcome to season 2, episode 20 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast.
This week my guest is JD Wilson, Founder, Lead U. JD found his calling early on when he was a counselor at a leadership camp while he was in college. He talks about how when he would drive away after the camp was over that he would be a little emotional. He goes on to share that he realized that was what "joy" felt like. Helping those kids connect, laugh, and feel inspired. He knew that was where he was supposed to be and that was what he was supposed to do.
After college JD went on to serve four years in the Air Force. He went all over the world. While in Iraq he was hosting talent shows for those in the service to help them feel connected and bring fun to what was a difficult time. When he came back, he knew that teaching would be the best stage for him and up until 2016 it was. Something changed for JD at that point. He wanted to make a greater impact, bring more joy, and help more kids. So, he decided one year and one day before receiving tenure that he was going to leave teaching and start a company that would provide empowering and motivating presentations for learners of all ages. The whale became the logo and off JD went with a leaf blower and a dream to his first school presentation. As JD shares that first one did not go according to plan. You just don't bring a leaf blower to a school. He didn't let the first one get him down, although his drive home that day did not provide him with the same joy that he had expected. He tweaked the program and onward he went.
JD and the Lead U Crew have been teaching learners of all ages about the importance of empathy, teamwork, connection, and more through fun and innovative exercises. JD took a small break and taught in Hawaii during the height of the pandemic, but he came back to help those from the classroom to the boardroom be the best version of themselves.
For more information about Lead U go to www.leaduthere.com.
Next week, my co-host is Kiran Handa Gaudioso, CEO, United Way Northern New Jersey. Together, we interview Dan Treglia, Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Pennsylvania, Associate Faculty Director of Penn’s Partnership for Effective Public Administration and Leadership Ethics (PEPALE), and Senior Research Fellow at United For ALICE.
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Today is the Day creates customized solutions that help clients both professionally and personally. Tell your story in a new way, disrupt what may not be working, level up communication and connections so that your organization has a successful and financially sustainable tomorrow. Jodi is sought after consultant, coach and speaker. For more information visit https://todayisthedayliveit.com.
Have a great week!