Tales of Leadership with Ron Stotts
Leadership transformation doesn't happen overnight, but it can begin with a single breath. This powerful truth emerged during my conversation with Dr. Ron Stotz, a former Marine turned leadership coach who discovered the transformative power of mindfulness through his own journey from darkness to purpose.
Dr. Stotz, a three-time bestselling author with a PhD in psychology, brings a unique perspective to leadership development, having navigated the extreme challenges of military service during the Vietnam era, suicidal despair, and ultimately personal transformation. His definition of leadership breaks from traditional notions of being "out front" – instead focusing on supporting others and bringing out their best qualities, regardless of position or title.
What sets conscious leaders apart is their foundation. As Dr. Stotz explained, "The higher the building you're going to create, the stronger and deeper that foundation has to be." Many leaders reach impressive heights only to see everything crumble because they haven't addressed fundamental aspects of their development. These foundations often relate to childhood experiences where parts of ourselves were disconnected or suppressed because they weren't acceptable in our family or social environment.
The journey toward conscious leadership begins with reconnection to these discarded aspects of ourselves. Dr. Stotz guides leaders through a process of exploring their inner child – understanding what they did to receive love and acceptance, and which parts of themselves they abandoned along the way. This healing process allows leaders to become whole, integrated, and authentically themselves rather than simply performing leadership behaviors they've learned.
Perhaps most revolutionary is Dr. Stotz's approach to mindfulness as a leadership practice. He describes the breath as "the tool that has really become my most trusted guide and advisor." Through mindful breathing, leaders can quiet the mind, become more self-aware, and access what he calls "Big Mind" – a state where optimal solutions emerge not through effortful thinking but through presence and receptivity.
The practical benefits of this approach are substantial. Leaders who operate from higher states of consciousness make better decisions, create more supportive environments, and foster workplaces where people feel valued and motivated. This radiates beyond the organization as employees bring this positive energy home to their families, creating ripple effects throughout communities.
For leaders beginning this journey, Dr. Stotz offers clear advice: "Recognize that your personal development goes hand in hand with your professional development." Many leaders prioritize skills and strategies while neglecting their inner growth, but the most extraordinary leaders understand that external success flows from internal development. This continuous evolution creates not just better leaders but more fulfilling lives.
The conversation highlighted three essential takeaways: leaders must be in the arena with their teams while allowing others to step up; a strong foundation is necessary for sustainable leadership; and intentional practices like meditation and mindful breathing can transform your leadership capacity. Through these practices, leaders can create organizations where people thrive rather than merely survive.
Together, we will impact 1 MILLION lives!!!
Every day is a gift; don't waste yours!
Joshua K. McMillion | Founder MLC
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When leadership fails, it's rarely about strategy – it's almost always about what lies beneath the surface. In this profound conversation with Dr. Ron Stotz, we explore the hidden dimensions of leadership that most development programs miss entirely.
Dr. Stotz brings a remarkable perspective forged through military service during Vietnam, a suicide attempt that became a spiritual awakening, and decades helping high-level leaders break through their limitations. His journey reveals how our early childhood experiences shape our leadership capacity in ways we rarely recognize until everything begins to crumble.