Ep. 134 - Conversations with My Mentor John (Pt. Three): A Powerful Phrase for Leaders
Release Date: 10/13/2025
The Main Thing Podcast
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info_outlineThe Main Thing Podcast
This four-part series originates from an archive of rare 2004 recordings of wisdom conversations with my mentor, John Wells Jr. Sadly, John passed away in early February 2005, after battling cancer. Those conversations and recordings served as a pre-cursor, perhaps even a prequel to this podcast which launched 15 years later in 2019. A Powerful Six-Word Phrase for Leaders Part Three of our our mini-series is the shortest of the four. In it, you will discover one of John’s favorite leadership tools. It’s a powerful, six-word phrase that’s easy to grasp, easy to use and easy to...
info_outlineThe Main Thing Podcast
Welcome to a very special episode and wisdom mini-series. This four-part series originates from an archive of rare 2004 recordings of wisdom conversations with my mentor, John Wells Jr. In the truest sense this batch of wisdom has been two decades in the making. Sadly, John passed away in early February 2005, after battling cancer. Those conversations and recordings served as a pre-cursor, perhaps even a prequel to this podcast which launched 15 years later in 2019. The Art of Visualization In Part Two of our our mini-series, John tells one of his favorite stories. It’s the story of...
info_outlineThe Main Thing Podcast
Welcome to a very special episode and wisdom mini-series. This four-part series originates from an archive of rare 2004 recordings of wisdom conversations with my mentor, John Wells Jr. Sadly, John passed away in early February 2005, after battling cancer. Those conversations and recordings served as a pre-cursor, perhaps even a prequel to this podcast which launched 15 years later in 2019. In the truest sense this has been two decades in the making. Embracing Adversity with Grace and Resilience Here in Part One our our mini-series, you will hear John share a wisdom lesson with me...
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info_outlineThis four-part series originates from an archive of rare 2004 recordings of wisdom conversations with my mentor, John Wells Jr. Sadly, John passed away in early February 2005, after battling cancer. Those conversations and recordings served as a pre-cursor, perhaps even a prequel to this podcast which launched 15 years later in 2019.
A Powerful Six-Word Phrase for Leaders
Part Three of our our mini-series is the shortest of the four. In it, you will discover one of John’s favorite leadership tools. It’s a powerful, six-word phrase that’s easy to grasp, easy to use and easy to master. It holds the power to unlock your leadership potential.
Enjoy this concise, practical wisdom lesson from John Wells Jr. As you listen and learn, begin to think where and when you will have the best opportunity to apply it.
More About Our Wise Guest - John Wells, Jr.
John was one of the most effective and influential mentors in my lifetime. He taught, led and influenced me, opening my eyes and expanding my thinking on those things that truly matter. I was deeply blessed to know him.
John was a dedicated retail veteran and community leader who co-founded Wells Home Furnishings after many years working at R.H. Kyle Furniture Co.
Known for his entrepreneurial spirit, he led his business to award-winning success and earned induction into the National Wholesale Furniture Association Hall of Fame. Beyond his career, Wells was deeply involved in civic and youth service organizations in Charleston, including the Boys Scouts, YMCA and United Way, among others, reflecting his commitment to community betterment.
In 2000, John was honored with the prestigious Ernst Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Though he never sought the spotlight, one day the President of the United States, George W. Bush, stood in Charleston and honored John Wells for his service. His legacy is marked by his dedication to his family, his profession and his community, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
Resources
YMCA Spirit of the Valley Tribute Video to John Wells, Jr. (2005)
Wells Home Furnishings website
Credits
Special thanks to Motion Masters, Inc. - Diana Sole Walko, CEO/President - for generously supporting and capturing video and audio from these 2004 sessions.
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