Leadership is a Choice: Redefining Power, Vulnerability & Purpose with Becky Schmooke

In our conversation, we explore:What it was like to fly the legendary F-4 Phantom into combat.The moment his jet exploded — and the life-altering seconds that followed.What helped him survive nearly six years as a POW.The power of faith, friendship, and camaraderie under unthinkable conditions.One of the lowest moments of his time in captivity, and the lesson we can all learn from it. Why honor isn’t just a virtue — it's also a strategy for long-term success.And how we can all bounce back from setbacks with resilience and grace.We also discuss Lee’s latest and most heart-expanding book, Captured by Love: Inspiring True Romance Stories from Vietnam POWs, a best-seller that reveals powerful stories of real love forged in the fires of war and captivity.💌 Want to get a taste of this incredible book? Head over to POWromance.com — you can download the first 50 pages for free and it will inspire you.✈️ And check out all of Lee’s work, including his other books and leadership training programs, at LeadingWithHonor.comThis is one of those rare episodes that will stay with you. Lee’s courage, humility, and wisdom are unforgettable — and I’m honored to share this conversation with you.⭐ If you found this episode meaningful, please share it with someone who could benefit from hearing it. Leave us a 5-star review and subscribe so we can continue to bring you more interviews like this.🙏 Thank you for listening — and as always, live like a leader.  --------John Bates provides 1:1 Executive Communications Coaching, both in-person and online. He also gets 92+ Net Promoter Scores for his large and small group leadership development trainings at organizations like Johnson & Johnson, NASA, Google, Intuit, Boston Scientific, and many more. Find more at https://executivespeakingsuccess.com.Sign up for his weekly micro-trainings for free at https://johnbates.com/mini-trainings and create a great leadership communications habit that makes you the kind of leader who inspires trust, loyalty, and connection.

In this episode, you’ll hear:Why TEDx is hyper-local—and why that matters more than you think.The one mistake I made in my first TED experience (and what it taught me).Why feedback must start with self-awareness.What makes group presentations succeed—or fail—and how to avoid pitch disasters.Why listening to yourself on video is brutal but necessary (and how to make it less painful).Ruth is smart, generous, and a total TEDx pro, and this episode is packed with real talk, real tools, and real inspiration for anyone who wants to communicate at a higher level.🧠 If you’ve got a brilliant idea trapped in a paper bag, this conversation is your box cutter.👉 Ruth’s book is The Motivated Speaker — and you can grab it here: https://promo.porchlightbooks.com/pages/promotions/motivatedspeakerauthor🎧 Tune in. Take notes. Then go speak like a leader. ----- Ruth Milligan helps people find their voice, tell their story, and have their message be heard. For over three decades, she has served as a communication strategist, coach,  and trainer. Founder and curator of one of the longest-running TEDx programs, TEDxColumbus, her career has included roles of speechwriter, national press secretary, and embedded consultant to billion-dollar contract pitches for Fortune 10 companies.Ruth received her BA in Speech Communication from Miami University. Prior to founding Articulation in 2010, which focuses exclusively on executive communication coaching and training, she ran a PR and marketing firm and worked in political and non-profit communications.She has a deep connection and commitment to her forever home, Columbus, where she has served on a variety of non-profit boards, and helped to launch the nation’s third women-founded bank in town, Fortuna. She keeps active ties to Miami, having just finished a term on the university’s foundation board.In her spare time, Ruth plays a healthy amount of Pickleball, enjoys working out, biking, and hiking with her husband, Dave. They have two college-aged children and a dog, Bean.  --------John Bates provides 1:1 Executive Communications Coaching, both in-person and online. He also gets 92+ Net Promoter Scores for his large and small group leadership development trainings at organizations like Johnson & Johnson, NASA, Google, Intuit, Boston Scientific, and many more. Find more at https://executivespeakingsuccess.com.Sign up for his weekly micro-trainings for free at https://johnbates.com/mini-trainings and create a great leadership communications habit that makes you the kind of leader who inspires trust, loyalty, and connection.

Kijuan doesn’t just talk about resilience—he embodies it. Whether you’re going through a tough season or just need a reminder of how strong you really are, this episode will leave you inspired and empowered. 💥Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:A behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to refuel aircraft mid-flight (including wild SR-71 and F-4 Phantom stories)The life-altering accident that changed everything—and the month-long coma that followedThe raw truth about faith, fear, and finding purpose after traumaHow Kijuan’s drumming, faith, and mission helped him transform pain into purposePractical tools and mindset shifts to build unshakable resilience 🎧 Tune in now—and get ready to view your challenges in a whole new light. 📚 Learn More & Connect with Kijuan:Book: Don’t Focus on Why Me: From Motorcycle Accident to Miracle – [Available on Amazon, Audible, Kindle & Apple Books]Website: www.ameymotivation.comResilience Coaching & Keynote Speaking Inquiries: Contact via website ⭐ Loved the Podcast?Please rate & review us on your favorite podcast app. Share it with someone who needs a dose of motivation today. Your support helps us bring more real, raw, and remarkable conversations to leaders like you. 🔥 About KijuanKijuan Amey, the visionary behind Amey Motivation, hails from Durham, NC, where his journey of resilience and success began. After graduating from Southern High School, he dedicated a decade of his life to the US Air Force, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant as an In-flight Refueling Specialist. Medically retired, he transitioned into academia, earning a degree and founding Amey Motivation LLC. Formerly served as the vice president for the Carolina regional group of the Blinded Veterans Association, Kijuan is also a mentor and ambassador for the Air Force Wounded Warriors program. Beyond his remarkable military career, Kijuan is a man of many talents, boasting over 25 years of drumming expertise, onstage acting, and now, an upcoming bestseller, “Don’t Focus on Why Me.” However, life took an unexpected turn on May 5th, 2017, when a motorcycle accident claimed his eyesight. Yet, as Kijuan profoundly states, “I may have lost my sight, but I did not lose my vision.” Now armed with an inspiring story of overcoming adversity, Kijuan has become a motivational force, empowering others to reach their highest potential. Whether addressing a crowd of 1,500 or engaging in one-on-one sessions, Kijuan is well-equipped for any speaking engagement. He’s not just a speaker; he’s a catalyst for transformation, ready for the task ahead! Contact him at (919) 641-8150 | [email protected] | AmeyMotivation.com  --------John Bates provides 1:1 Executive Communications Coaching, both in-person and online. He also gets 92+ Net Promoter Scores for his large and small group leadership development trainings at organizations like Johnson & Johnson, NASA, Google, Intuit, Boston Scientific, and many more. Find more at https://executivespeakingsuccess.com.Sign up for his weekly micro-trainings for free at https://johnbates.com/mini-trainings and create a great leadership communications habit that makes you the kind of leader who inspires trust, loyalty, and connection.

From snapping shrimp to blue whales, from silence to soundscapes, we cover:Why diversity of opinion is vital in leadershipHow sound affects everything from productivity to healthSimple daily practices to instantly improve your listening, and be heard more clearly in returnWhat business gets wrong about audio—and how to fix itThe importance of designing your acoustic environment with intentionJulian also shares a generous offer for my listeners: a free one-week trial of his new online community, The Listening Society. Whether you're a team leader, teacher, or simply someone who wants to deepen their relationships, The Listening Society offers tools, insights, and a community that helps you grow through sound.🎧 If you care about connection, leadership, sound, or if you just want to create a more peaceful, powerful world, I think you’ll want to soak in every minute of this wonderful conversation. Join The Listening Society and claim your free trial here:👉 https://listen.thelisteningsociety.community/1wk 📖 Read Julian's powerful new book: Sound Affects🔉 Find Custom Soundscapes to Focus, Relax & Sleep: mynoise.net - thanks to Julian for mentioning it. Very cool!🌐 Check out Julian's main website here: https://www.juliantreasure.com/👂 Listen to his first appearance on the show here: https://www.livelikealeader.show/episodes/episode-90-julian-treasure -------Julian Treasure is an author and speaker on conscious listening, powerful speaking and the power of sound. His five TED talks, including the sixth most-viewed of all time, have been viewed more than 150 million times; his online courses have taught over 150,000 students; and he is regularly featured in the world's media. He has been honoured with both Toastmasters International’s Golden Gavel Award and the International Listening Associations's Special Recognition award.For 20 years, Julian helped major brands to design effective sound in spaces. Now, his passion is to generate listening in a world that has forgotten this critical skill.Julian’s first book ‘Sound Business’ is a seminal work on effective business sound; his second ‘How To Be Heard’ won SOVAS and Audie global awards; and his third ‘Sound Affects,’ about the power and wonder of sound and the importance of listening, is published worldwide in 2025.Based in Orkney, Scotland, Julian is a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Marketors, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a longtime musician.  --------John Bates provides 1:1 Executive Communications Coaching, both in-person and online. He also gets 92+ Net Promoter Scores for his large and small group leadership development trainings at organizations like Johnson & Johnson, NASA, Google, Intuit, Boston Scientific, and many more. Find more at https://executivespeakingsuccess.com.Sign up for his weekly micro-trainings for free at https://johnbates.com/mini-trainings and create a great leadership communications habit that makes you the kind of leader who inspires trust, loyalty, and connection.

Jennifer Kaplan is the founder and CEO of Evolve Public Relations and Marketing, a premier PR agency she established in 2010 to help businesses and professionals authentically tell their stories. With a communications degree from Arizona State University and an entrepreneurial spirit, Jennifer has dedicated her career to elevating brands, building trust, and fostering meaningful connections.Jennifer comes from a family of entrepreneurs, so forging her own path was a no-brainer! As a young professional, she left her steady sales job to take on her first client, boldly launching herself into the rest of her career. In 2005, she co-founded her first PR start-up, PRIME 3, LLC, but later sold her share to branch out and start Evolve! Now, her team works across industries to provide media coverage, influencer engagement, reputation management, and crisis communications.Jennifer’s work has garnered widespread acclaim. She’s been honored as one of “The Most Influential Women in Arizona Business” by AZ Business Magazine, a “40 Under 40” by Phoenix Business Journal, a “Woman of Achievement” by InBusiness Magazine, and the inaugural Hugh Downs School of Human Communication Alumni of the Year.When Jennifer isn’t running her agency, she fills her cup with yoga, cheering on the ASU Sun Devils, and of course, spending time with her family. Connect with Jennifer Kaplan and Evolve PR & Marketing:🌐 Website: https://evolveprandmarketing.com/💼 LinkedIn (Company): Evolve PR and Marketing👩🏻 LinkedIn (Jennifer Kaplan): Jennifer Kaplan   --------John Bates provides 1:1 Executive Communications Coaching, both in-person and online. He also gets 92+ Net Promoter Scores for his large and small group leadership development trainings at organizations like Johnson & Johnson, NASA, Google, Intuit, Boston Scientific, and many more. Find more at https://executivespeakingsuccess.com.Sign up for his weekly micro-trainings for free at https://johnbates.com/mini-trainings and create a great leadership communications habit that makes you the kind of leader who inspires trust, loyalty, and connection.

What You’ll Learn:Why real leaders don’t always have the title—or the powerHow Becky’s Stoic-inspired Choose the Handle That Holds became a guidebook for life and leadershipThe difference between authentic vulnerability and oversharingA live demo of STOA: a goal-setting tool you’ll want to use immediatelyHow to model leadership for your team, your family, and yourself 🧠 Leadership Insight:“You can’t expect people to come to you with their mistakes if you’re not willing to share yours.” 🎁 Get Becky’s Free Resource:Want the STOA PDF to map your next goal or challenge? Go to beckyschmooke.com (or beckysmoke.com) and message Becky through the website with “STOA” or “podcast” in the subject line. 🔗 Connect with Becky:Website:https://beckyschmooke.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-schmookeBook: Choose the Handle That Holds Like What You Heard? Please subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and share this episode with someone ready to lead with more authenticity and heart.  --------John Bates provides 1:1 Executive Communications Coaching, both in-person and online. He also gets 92+ Net Promoter Scores for his large and small group leadership development trainings at organizations like Johnson & Johnson, NASA, Google, Intuit, Boston Scientific, and many more. Find more at https://executivespeakingsuccess.com.Sign up for his weekly micro-trainings for free at https://johnbates.com/mini-trainings and create a great leadership communications habit that makes you the kind of leader who inspires trust, loyalty, and connection.

What You’ll Learn:Why the “Rule of Three” is a leadership game changerThe origin and impact of Atlas’ TEDx talk: Start with WhoWhat pirate leadership teaches us about trust and motivationWhy success leaves clues—and how to collect themThe mindset shift from chasing opportunities to choosing legacy Leadership Gold:“Every leader I’ve admired kept it simple: People. Time. Money.” The Rule of 3.  Resources & Links:Download Atlas’ "Best-Selling Book" ProcessWatch his TEDx Talk: Start with WhoConnect with Atlas on his podcast: TargetedAnd, follow him on LinkedIn for more great insights.  🎁 BONUS: Atlas is offering you his $500 bestseller publishing process for free, courtesy of my request on your behalf! Head to leaders-kit.com/lll to grab it. Subscribe & Review:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review! Your feedback helps more leaders live and lead with authenticity.  --------John Bates provides 1:1 Executive Communications Coaching, both in-person and online. He also gets 92+ Net Promoter Scores for his large and small group leadership development trainings at organizations like Johnson & Johnson, NASA, Google, Intuit, Boston Scientific, and many more. Find more at https://executivespeakingsuccess.com.Sign up for his weekly micro-trainings for free at https://johnbates.com/mini-trainings and create a great leadership communications habit that makes you the kind of leader who inspires trust, loyalty, and connection.

What You’ll Learn:How adversity can become your most powerful teacherThe surprise that “everything’s still in color” after a bankruptcyWhy “Don’t be nervous, be at their service” is more than just a sticker—it’s a leadership principleHow metacognition gives you the power to shift from victim to agentWhat the “Influence Quadrant” is—and how it can transform your communication and leadership Links & Resources:🎧 Dr. Paul’s Podcast: Live on Purpose Radio📘 Get the Influence Quadrant Visual: drpauljenkins.com/johnbates🧠 Listen to my appearance on Live on Purpose Radio: https://liveonpurposeradio.com/mirror-neurons-and-the-monkey-mind-with-john-bates-episode-646/📚 Books we mentioned: Profit First by Mike Michalowicz & The 3.3 Rule by John Briggs Connect with Dr. Paul Jenkins:Website: drpauljenkins.comInstagram: @drpauljenkinsLinkedIn: Dr. Paul Jenkins  --------John Bates provides 1:1 Executive Communications Coaching, both in-person and online. He also gets 92+ Net Promoter Scores for his large and small group leadership development trainings at organizations like Johnson & Johnson, NASA, Google, Intuit, Boston Scientific, and many more. Find more at https://executivespeakingsuccess.com.Sign up for his weekly micro-trainings for free at https://johnbates.com/mini-trainings and create a great leadership communications habit that makes you the kind of leader who inspires trust, loyalty, and connection.

💡 “What if Hell Week was a Celebration?”Diego failed SEAL training the first time—broken bones, broken dreams, and broken expectations. But it wasn’t the end. He came back ten years later, fully transformed, and turned the infamous Hell Week into moment after moment of gratitude.Lesson: When you reframe suffering as growth, everything changes. “I wasn’t being punished—I was being tested, transformed, and tempered.” 🧩 The Secret to SEAL Team CommunicationCorporate leaders always ask: “Why do SEALs communicate so well?” Diego reveals it’s not just tactics—it’s intense trust, emotional regulation, and a shared mission.But he’s honest: emotional intelligence wasn’t part of the official training. So Diego is now pioneering what he calls “human-first leadership” through The Trident Approach. 🎤 Warrior Side: "The Moth" Meets Navy SEALsDiego created Warrior Side after realizing that most veterans have world-shaking stories—but no one taught them how to tell those stories in ways that heal both them and their audience.He also says that with my help, Warrior Side isn’t just storytelling—it’s transformational storytelling. I love that Diego makes sure it’s not “wounded warrior trauma porn.” It’s courage, comedy, and catharsis. 📘 Leading From the DeepDiego’s book blends SEAL insights, consciousness work, and radical honesty. It’s not “my truth.” It’s about what’s universally human: failure, perseverance, and integration. “What’s true doesn’t need defending. It just is.” — Diego Ugalde 🎯 Want to hear this inspiring story in full?🎧 Listen to the full episode here: 📖 Grab Diego’s book, Leading from the Deep on Audible (he reads it!) or Amazon.🌐 Explore Warrior Side: warriorside.org and meet Diego on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diegougalde/💥 Host a storytelling event in your city? Let’s talk!  --------John Bates provides 1:1 Executive Communications Coaching, both in-person and online. He also gets 92+ Net Promoter Scores for his large and small group leadership development trainings at organizations like Johnson & Johnson, NASA, Google, Intuit, Boston Scientific, and many more. Find more at https://executivespeakingsuccess.com.Sign up for his weekly micro-trainings for free at https://johnbates.com/mini-trainings and create a great leadership communications habit that makes you the kind of leader who inspires trust, loyalty, and connection.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Steve Waddell transitioned from shipbuilding to entrepreneurship.The inspiration behind Valuepreneurs and why it challenges conventional startup wisdom.The key lesson from Steve’s TEDx Talk: Start with Who, Not Why.The challenges of launching a product, from patents to tariffs and the impact of COVID-19.Why networking, strategic grants, and understanding your customers are the keys to startup success.The groundbreaking technology Steve is developing to improve healthcare and independent living for seniors.Guest: Steve WaddellCEO & Founder of NasoniCreator of the award-winning Nasoni Fountain FaucetAuthor of Valuepreneurs: The New Rules for Building Products, Growing Your Business, and Achieving Your Entrepreneurial DreamTEDx Speaker: Start with Who, Not WhyInnovator in AI-driven healthcare solutionsResources & Links:Connect with Steve on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stevewaddellLearn more about Steve’s work: http://www.swaddell.com/Check out Nasoni: Nasoni.comGet Valuepreneurs: Amazon link (Available in Kindle, audiobook, paperback, and hardcover)Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your network, leave a review, and subscribe to Speak Like a Leader for more expert insights on leadership, communication, and success.Join the Conversation: What was your biggest takeaway from this episode? Connect with us on LinkedIn or Twitter, and let us know!Thanks for listening, and remember—your stories and your voice matter!  --------John Bates provides 1:1 Executive Communications Coaching, both in-person and online. He also gets 92+ Net Promoter Scores for his large and small group leadership development trainings at organizations like Johnson & Johnson, NASA, Google, Intuit, Boston Scientific, and many more. Find more at https://executivespeakingsuccess.com.Sign up for his weekly micro-trainings for free at https://johnbates.com/mini-trainings and create a great leadership communications habit that makes you the kind of leader who inspires trust, loyalty, and connection.