Live Like a Leader with John Bates

When life hits you hard, how do you bounce back? In this powerful episode, I sit down with Kijuan Amey—Resilience Coach, motivational speaker, and author of Don’t Focus on Why Me: From Motorcycle Accident to Miracle. From refueling fighter jets midair to surviving a catastrophic motorcycle accident that left him blind, Kijuan’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. As a former U.S. Airman, his stories from the KC-135 refueling bay will blow your mind—and his resilience after unimaginable trauma will move your soul.

In today's episode, I sit down with Jennifer Kaplan, a true PR powerhouse and the founder and CEO of Evolve PR and Marketing—the largest firm of its kind in Arizona. She's got lessons for the World. In this conversation, Jennifer and I dive into the heart of what makes a great leader—beyond just business success. We discuss the power of giving back, how vulnerability shapes authentic leadership, and why showing up for your community can create a lasting impact. We also unpack the difference between PR and marketing, the power of earned media, and what makes a brand message truly resonate. Jennifer doesn’t just run a top-tier agency—she’s got the heart, hustle, and insight that make her a magnetic force in the world of media and messaging. If you’ve ever wondered when to hire a PR firm, how to show up like a pro on camera, or how to make your message stick in a crowded world, this episode is for you. Jennifer shares hard-earned wisdom from decades in the industry, and we get into why preparation beats improvisation—even if you’re great at winging it. (Spoiler: the most authentic pros rehearse more than you think.) And stick around for some stories about leadership missteps from public figures that are cringeworthy and instructive. This is a masterclass in visibility, authenticity, and influence—don’t miss it.

What do pirates, military special ops, and best-selling books have in common? Leadership. This week, I’m joined by someone I love, disagree with sometimes, and deeply respect. Atlas Aultman—former Special Operations Commander, White House military lead, bestselling author of many books, including the Rule of Three, and host of Targeted, a podcast uncovering the secrets of visible success. In this episode, Atlas opens up about the high-stakes lessons that shaped his leadership philosophy—from combat deployments to the TEDx stage. We explore how pirate leadership, trust cycles, and his personal journey of purpose led him to focus exclusively on podcasting. You’ll hear about his kids’ book empire, his military notebooks, and how we drag each other into media bubbles we don't normally inhabit - and why.

This week’s podcast was a masterclass in grit, growth, and greatness. I sat down with someone who has become a dear friend, a partner and a mentor, Diego Ugalde—retired Navy SEAL, CEO of The Trident Approach, founder of Warrior Side, and author of Leading From The Deep—to explore what real leadership and healing look like when forged in the fire of extreme human experience.

What if the most powerful way to lead isn’t through logic or authority but through love and insightful vulnerability™? In this profound and heartwarming conversation, John Bates sits down with David Cunningham—communication expert, transformation leader, and longtime advocate for creating meaningful change. From his early work in child advocacy to leading transformational programs worldwide, David shares powerful stories and insights on how love, understanding, and communication can drive authentic leadership. John and David dive into: - The transformative lesson David’s mother taught him about patience and presence while caring for his stepfather with dementia—and how it influences John’s own journey with his mom. - A groundbreaking shift in child abuse prevention messaging that turned silence into thousands of calls for help—and how leaders can use the same principles to create connection and success in their organizations. - Why righteousness breeds argument—and how shifting from ‘being right’ to ‘being committed’ creates real change. - The concept of a ‘love footprint’—what are we leaving behind in our interactions? - How leaders can embrace insightful vulnerability™ to build emotional credibility™ and stronger human connections. - David’s new book, Your Love Does Matter: A Journey to New Consciousness and Expanding Your Love Footprint, and his mission to infuse leadership, politics, and society with love through the Love Matters Collaboration and Love Goes to the Capitol initiatives. This episode is packed with wisdom, real-life stories, and actionable insights for any leader looking to make a real impact—not by being the smartest in the room, but by leading with love.

What happens when you combine vulnerability, authenticity, and leadership? Magic. In our heartfelt and powerful conversation, I welcome Mike Robbins, a sought-after author, global speaker, and expert on leadership, teamwork, and communication. Mike shares his journey from a professional baseball career cut short by injury to becoming a leading voice on authenticity and connection in the workplace. We acknowledge Landmark Education, where we met and talked about some of the most important things in leadership. Get ready to dive into Mike’s “Authenticity Equation” (honesty minus self-righteousness plus vulnerability) and learn how to build trust, navigate challenging conversations, and foster collaboration on your team. Whether you’re a CEO, entrepreneur, or someone striving for deeper human connections, this episode is packed with actionable insights and heartfelt advice. Love the episode? Don’t forget to: ✔️ Subscribe to Live Like a Leader ⭐ Leave a 5-star review – it helps us reach more leaders like you! 🔗 Share this episode with a colleague or friend who needs to hear it.

In this straight-talking episode, I talk with a friend of mine, Baz Porter. He is a transformational executive consultant and the go-to catalyst for top-tier CEOs, entrepreneurs, and business leaders looking to reach the next level. Baz works with real go-getters, and I like his brash directness and no-nonsense approach. In our conversation, Baz shares his strategies for pushing boundaries, exceeding expectations, and achieving unparalleled success, and he shares some Insightful Vulnerability™ I think you'll find inspiring. We discuss: - The mindset shifts required to break through personal and professional barriers. - How to embrace brutal truths and turn them into powerful growth opportunities. - Real-world advice on unlocking leadership potential and creating lasting impact. - You will get actionable insights and inspiration to elevate your game from our conversation. Ready to exceed your expectations? Press play now! 🎧