John Spence LLC

Managing Partner at John Spence LLC, where I provide executive coaching, strategic guidance, workshops, and keynote speeches to organizations worldwide. 
 
 Executive Coaching and Business Advisory:
 As an executive coach, I have worked with numerous leaders, from small companies to the C-Suite, in global organizations. I provide personalized guidance, helping individuals maximize their potential, refine their leadership skills, and achieve their professional goals. Through insightful coaching sessions, I assist executives in navigating challenges, enhancing their decision-making abilities, and driving sustainable growth. For many clients, I coach their entire executive team, helping them become a more cohesive and effective high-performance team.
 
 Keynote Speaking:
As a keynote speaker, I specialize in turning complex business concepts into actionable strategies. Each presentation is custom-tailored backed by in-depth research and real-world experience. My presentations and workshops are fast-paced, content-rich, and focused on delivering ideas and tools that the audience members can implement immediately. Whether to a small group of executives or more than 20,000 people in the audience, I have the experience to deliver excellence in every presentation.
 
Training Programs and Strategic Planning:
I have a proven track record of designing and delivering comprehensive training programs for over 30 Fortune 500 companies, smaller private companies, and professional associations. These programs cover a wide range of topics, including leadership development, strategy, high-performance teams, and organizational culture. Additionally, I have facilitated numerous strategic planning sessions, helping organizations align their goals, identify opportunities, and develop winning strategies for long-term success.

Managing Partner

SIFMA

The Securities Industry Institute® is recognized worldwide as the premier development program for securities industry professionals. Now in its 60th year, the Securities Industry Institute® focuses on helping participants broaden their perspectives, increase job effectiveness and strengthen management skills. 

SII utilizes a variety of class formats from general sessions to individual electives, panel discussions to small workshops; many supplemented with pre-course work and case studies. The curriculum embraces a combination of practical information, theory, and broad issues. Participants who complete this intensive three-year program receive a certificate of completion that is recognized among the leading firms in the industry. 

During my more than two decades as an instructor, the programs I have delivered at the Institute include leadership, strategic thinking/strategic planning, organizational culture, high-performance teams, the future of business, creating a culture of accountability, AQ (adaptability quotient), resilience, and business excellence.

I am honored to be recognized as one of the leading instructors for this program.

Instructor

NAFCU (National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions)

As a recognized authority in leadership development within the credit union industry, I have had the privilege of delivering the cornerstone class on Advanced Leadership and Self-Leadership at the esteemed NAFCU Management and Leadership Institute. This world-class professional development program is designed exclusively for leaders identified as high-potential individuals and future senior executives of their credit unions.

I have also delivered training workshops and keynote speeches for numerous credit unions and served as an executive coach to many credit union senior leaders.

Senior Instructor

Pivot & Pace 

As strategic business partner in this firm I am proud that we have assembled an exceptional team of experienced business advisors and executive coaches who bring a wealth of leadership expertise, combined with their extensive real-world business backgrounds.

Key to our approach is placing high-performance leadership at the very core of building remarkable medium-sized client businesses. We firmly believe that all aspects of strategy, culture, and strategy execution ultimately boil down to one essential element: leadership. This intentional and unwavering focus on leadership excellence sets Pivot & Pace apart, serving as the bedrock for successful execution.

Highlights of Our Expertise:

Strategic Business Advisors: We leverage our deep understanding of the business landscape to guide you through critical decision-making processes, enabling you to navigate complexities and seize growth opportunities.

Leadership Excellence: We prioritize high-performance leadership as the driving force behind building exceptional medium-sized businesses. Our expertise in cultivating effective leadership strategies empowers your organization to unlock its full potential.

Holistic Strategy and Execution: Our team combines comprehensive strategic planning with meticulous execution, ensuring your vision translates into tangible results. We work collaboratively to align your business objectives, culture, and processes for sustainable growth.

Fresh Insights and Perspectives: Drawing upon our extensive leadership experience and diverse backgrounds, we provide you with a fresh set of eyes and valuable perspectives, challenging conventional thinking and stimulating innovative solutions.

Strategic Partner

The Growth Faculty

Growth Faculty empowers organizations to build more effective workplaces by connecting established and aspiring business leaders with the world's brightest minds, business-critical topics, and proven frameworks and tools. They enable leaders to access these invaluable resources from anywhere, at any time, equipping them with the mindset and skillset required for success in the present and future of work.

Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, within one of the city's first sustainable office complexes, Growth Faculty has evolved into a global force by curating engaging in-person and live virtual events across 42 countries worldwide.

I deliver Masterclasses on the future of leadership, business excellence, organizational culture, strategic planning/execution, AQ (adaptability quotient), and resilience.

Other instructors include Jim Collins, Sir Richard Branson, Adam Grant, Brené Brown, Simon Sinek, Malcolm Gladwell, Patrick Lencioni, John Maxwell, and Liz Wiseman, to name a few.

Masterclass Instructor

Entrepreneurs'​ Organization

Guest instructor for dozens of EO chapters worldwide including Singapore, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, and the United States. I have delivered programs on business excellence, leadership, strategic planning, and organizational culture. I was also an instructor at the highly regarded Entrepreneurial Masters Program hosted at MIT. 

The Entrepreneurial Masters Program (EMP) brings together 65 remarkable entrepreneurs – each a founder or co-founder of a company that grosses more than US$1 million — for four days at the MIT Endicott House, located in Dedham, Massachusetts, USA.

Jointly hosted by the world-renowned MIT Enterprise Forum and Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), this unique, executive education-style program has been designed for two specific reasons:

•To identify and bring together the next generation of entrepreneurial giants— the next Bill Gates or Richard Branson.

•To provide the kind of intense blending of practice and theory that is necessary to excel in this era.

The Wharton School

I have had the privilege of guest lecturing at several prestigious institutions globally, including Harvard, Stanford, MIT, The Wharton School of Business, Cornell, Duke, Vanderbilt, Northwestern, Princeton, the University of Kraków (Poland), and the University of Canterbury (New Zealand). My engagements ranged from single lectures to repeated invitations, sharing insights across a diverse set of business and professional development topics to undergrads, MBAs, and executive-level programs.

Guest Lecturer

TEDxGainesville

In this talk John Spence describes the fundamental characteristics of outstanding leaders and the three quotients – IQ, EQ, and AQ (adaptability quotient) – that will be necessary to be a successful leader today and into the future.

TEDx Speaker

Mayo Clinic

Serving as a consultant, I delivered training programs to employees at all levels across the organization from frontline workers to thoracic and neurosurgeons. All of the classes were custom-built specifically for the Mayo Clinic in the areas of communications effectiveness, leadership, conflict resolution, and high-performance teams.

 Mayo Clinic Leadership Learning and Development Center of Excellence

TEDxUF

Apr 17, 2012
What does it take to rebound from abject failure? What do you do when your life is drifting so far off course that it feels like you might not be able to get it turned around? In this talk John Spence will share with you what he discovered that completely turned his life around (What he calls: "the single most important thing I have ever learned") and several other key insights into what it takes to build a highly successful, happy, joyful and balanced life.

For over 30 years, my passion for helping companies and people succeed has driven me. Through executive coaching, training programs, keynote speeches, and strategy consulting, I've assisted organizations worldwide, ranging from startups to the Fortune 10. My approach focuses on transforming complex business concepts into simple, practical solutions. I deliver tangible results that help my clients achieve their goals and achieve long-term success. I am also the author of "Awesomely Simple – Essential Business Strategies for Turning Ideas into Action" and "Excellence by Design – Leadership."

Background
At 26, I was the CEO of an international Rockefeller foundation, overseeing projects in 20 countries. Two years later Inc. Magazine named me one of America’s Up-and-Coming Young Business Leaders. More than a dozen organizations have recognized me as one of the world's top business experts. The American Management Association named me one of America's Top 50 Leaders to Watch, along with Sergey Brin and Larry Page of Google and Jeff Bezos of Amazon. The prestigious Thinkers50, the definitive global ranking of management thinkers, shortlisted me as one of the top eight in the World for their Distinguished Achievement Award. Thinkers 360 placed me on the Power List of the 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership. Others on the list include Simon Sinek, Gary Vaynerchuk, Adam Grant, and Marshall Goldsmith.

Services
As an executive coach, I work closely with you to enhance your skills in strategy, culture, high-performance teams, and other critical business topics. With my experience as CEO of four companies and a global business consultant, I bring real-life solutions to help you achieve sustainable results.

As a training facilitator and keynote speaker, I'm an expert at making complicated business topics easy to understand. Every program I deliver is custom-tailored to meet your specific needs. My presentations are fast-paced, highly engaging, content-rich, and deliver ideas and tools that can be implemented immediately. 

As your strategy partner, I will help sharpen your strategic thinking and guide you through the process of identifying a set of core strategies that will serve as the foundation for your team's creation of a strategic blueprint designed to increase market share, revenues, and profitability.

I hope you’ll take a moment to look through my full profile. It will give you a more in-depth description of my experience and expertise.

I’ve been thinking a lot about what I’m grateful for this season.

My wife Sheila, who brings joy, support, and strength into every part of my life. 
My team, who pour their talent and energy into work that truly matters. 
My friends, who challenge me, care for me, and make life richer. 
My colleagues and peers, who sharpen my thinking, inspire new ideas, and make the work more meaningful.

I’m surrounded by good people, and that’s the greatest gift in the world.

Thank you for being part of my life and my work.

#Thanksgiving #Thankful

John Spence

Business success isn't supposed to be complicated. You just need an experienced guide to help you.

Our clients come from a broad cross-section of industries and countries, but they all share a determination to achieve excellence. In our work with these companies, we have noticed a few critical areas where even the best organizations want to improve.

DO YOU STRUGGLE IN ANY OF THESE AREAS?

Defining a Clear and Compelling Strategy 
Building and Maintaining High-Performing Teams 
Growing Leadership Capabilities
Enhancing Communication Effectiveness and Delegation Skills 
Creating a Culture of Accountability and Ownership 
Developing a More Customer-Focused Approach 
Identifying, Attracting, and Retaining Exceptional Talent

I want to help your business overcome these challenges and be more successful. I do this by partnering with you to address your most critical issues and opportunities through custom-tailored training programs, executive coaching, strategy consulting, and keynote speeches. I have over 30 years of experience assisting companies worldwide, from small and medium-sized businesses to the Fortune 10. So, I know what it takes to help you.

Background

At 26, John was the CEO of an international Rockefeller Foundation, overseeing projects in 20 countries. Two years later, Inc. Magazine named him one of America's Up and Coming Young Business Leaders. John has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Business Thought Leaders in America, one of the Top 100 Small Business Influencers in America, one of the Top 50 Small Business Experts in America, and one of the Top 500 Leadership Development Experts in the World. He was also recognized on the global list of the Top 100 Thought Leaders in Trustworthy Business Behavior. Other recipients of this award include Richard Branson and Howard Schultz. 

The American Management Association named John one of America's Top 50 Leaders to Watch, along with Sergey Brin and Larry Page of Google and Jeff Bezos of Amazon. The prestigious Thinkers50, the definitive global ranking of management thinkers, shortlisted him as one of the top eight in the World for their Distinguished Achievement Award, and Thinkers 360 named John on the Power List of the 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership. Others on the list include Simon Sinek, Gary Vaynerchuk, Adam Grant, and Marshall Goldsmith.

Global Leadership & Business Expert | Keynote Speaker, Workshop Leader & Trusted Advisor | Known for Making Complex Business Ideas Clear, Practical & Actionable

Recently I partnered with the Results. Canada team in Edmonton and Calgary to deliver two interactive keynote workshops to more than 400 CEOs and their executive teams.

In The Future of Leadership, we examined the key characteristics leaders will need to thrive in an increasingly complex world. In The Formula for Business Success, we focused on the five critical components that build and sustain a world-class organization.

Both sessions blended keynote-style insights with hands-on discussion and exercises, allowing participants to immediately apply what they learned. The response was outstanding with insightful questions, deep engagement, and a strong commitment to action.

My thanks to Andrea Kenna, Megan Klippenstine, and Jeff Tetz for creating two exceptional learning experiences.

---

If you would like to discuss how I might be of assistance to you and your company, please send me a note, and we will set up a call. https://lnkd.in/dzjqXnq

#Business #ExecutiveCoaching #Keynote #ProfessionalDevelopment

This year I had the honor of serving as the cornerstone instructor at America's Credit Unions Management and Leadership Institute. Each morning I led the opening session that set the tone and theme for the day.

Day one focused on the key characteristics of an effective leader in the future. Day two centered on personal leadership and strategies for success. Day three explored how to manage change and build resilience, and we closed the week with a session on building and maintaining high-performance teams.

My sincere thanks to Anthony Demangone and Kienan Shaw for their outstanding leadership and for creating such an impactful experience. Great events like this are only possible with a great team.

--- 

If you would like to discuss how I might be of assistance to you and your company, please send me a note, and we will set up a call. https://lnkd.in/dzjqXnq 

#ExecutiveCoaching #Business #Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment

The best leaders aren’t the ones who know it all. They’re the ones who never stop learning.

In this week’s blog, I share the story of my first mentor, the habits that shaped my career, and why applying what you learn is the real test of leadership.

---

Discover Why I Was Named One of the Top 100 Leadership Blogs by Feedspot: https://lnkd.in/dkkqiNp

#Business #ExecutiveCoaching #Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment

In this Business in a Minute video, I outline one awesomely simple idea to help you overcome a lack of accountability and results.

--- 

I’ve created a landing page highlighting my updated sessions designed specifically for associations. It would be a pleasure to connect and explore how these programs might serve your members. If you’re interested, you can take a look here: https://lnkd.in/g78qz22C 

#Business #ExecutiveCoaching #Accountability #Expectations

Warren Buffett’s last shareholder letter wasn’t filled with financial advice. It was a reflection on what it means to live and lead with purpose.

In this week’s blog, I share his closing lessons on legacy, humility, and the kind of success that outlasts wealth.

---

Discover Why I Was Named One of the Top 100 Leadership Blogs by Feedspot: https://lnkd.in/dkkqiNp

#Business #ExecutiveCoaching #EmotionalIntelligence #ProfessionalDevelopment

Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving.

May today be a moment to slow down, appreciate the people who make life meaningful, and reflect on the opportunities we’ve been given. Whether you’re spending the day with family, friends, or taking time to recharge, I hope it brings connection, warmth, and gratitude.

Thankful for this community and the chance to learn and grow together. Enjoy the day.

#Thanksgiving

How you respond to disagreement reveals a great deal about your leadership. 

On Wednesday’s blog, we will take a closer look at what separates productive debate from conflict and why the best leaders treat disagreement as a path to better thinking, not as a threat.

---

I’ve created a landing page highlighting my updated sessions designed specifically for associations. It would be a pleasure to connect and explore how these programs might serve your members. If you’re interested, you can take a look here: https://lnkd.in/g78qz22C

#Business #ExecutiveCoaching #Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment

The best leaders I’ve met have one thing in common: they keep learning. They read, ask hard questions, and stay curious about the world around them. 
This Wednesday, I will share a blog with the lessons I learned from one of my greatest teachers, and why staying curious is the real edge in leadership.

----

I’ve created a landing page highlighting my updated sessions designed specifically for associations. It would be a pleasure to connect and explore how these programs might serve your members. If you’re interested, you can take a look here: https://lnkd.in/g78qz22C

#Business #ExecutiveCoaching #Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment

What happens when a CEO treats culture as the business, not a byproduct? 
During the Management and Leadership Institute, I heard one of the most grounded, practical explanations of leadership I’ve ever come across, and it came from Darin W., the CEO of Arrowhead Credit Union. 

Here’s why his approach to culture, service, and trust left the entire room taking notes: https://lnkd.in/gJX8ePMH

#Business #ExecutiveCoaching #ProfessionalDevelopment #Advice CUInsight.com

Disagreement doesn’t have to divide teams. Handled well, it sharpens ideas, builds trust, and strengthens culture.

In this week’s blog, I share practical ways to turn tension into progress and demonstrate how emotional intelligence can transform a challenging discussion into one of leadership’s most powerful tools.

---

Discover Why I Was Named One of the Top 100 Leadership Blogs by Feedspot: https://lnkd.in/dkkqiNp 

#Business #ExecutiveCoaching #EmotionalIntelligence #ProfessionalDevelopment

The best candidates are not the ones with the most polished answers. They are the ones who have done the deepest homework on your company, your competitors, and your industry.

In this week’s blog, I share the interview question I used to filter for real commitment and how you can use it to hire high-level talent with true skin in the game.

Discover Why I Was Named One of the Top 100 Leadership Blogs by Feedspot: https://lnkd.in/dkkqiNp 

#Business #ExecutiveCoaching #Interview #ProfessionalDevelopment

Warren Buffett’s final shareholder letter wasn’t about money or markets. It was about what truly defines success: character, kindness, and legacy. On Wednesday’s blog, I will share the timeless leadership lessons behind his final message.

---

I’ve created a landing page highlighting my updated sessions designed specifically for associations. It would be a pleasure to connect and explore how these programs might serve your members. If you’re interested, you can take a look here: https://lnkd.in/g78qz22C

#Business #ExecutiveCoaching #Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment

After coaching hundreds of senior executives, I’ve noticed a pattern. The same beliefs that once made people successful often become the very things that hold them back. This week’s blog explores why that happens and what to do about.

--- 

Discover Why I Was Named One of the Top 100 Leadership Blogs by Feedspot: https://lnkd.in/dkkqiNp 

#Business #ExecutiveCoaching #ProfessionalDevelopment #Leadership

Sometimes, a very small problem on Monday can become a huge problem by Friday. Here is a tool they use at Ford Motor Company to help you address issues in a timely manner.

---

Stop letting strategy stay theoretical. Use this guide to think clearly, focus your efforts, avoid common missteps, and pressure-test your ideas before they go live. Get your free guide here: https://lnkd.in/g5hNAzTz
 
#Business #ExecutiveCoaching #ProfessionalDevelopment

Are your words losing their punch?

If 'unprecedented,' 'resonate,' and 'synergize' dominate your vocabulary, your message might get lost. Our infographic is your verbal vaccine, helping you break free from buzzwords.

Clear, precise, and effective communication is an essential business skill. Why say 'groundbreaking' when you can say 'first-of-its-kind'? Why say 'resonate' when you can say 'strike a chord'? Elevate your vocabulary, inspire your team, and win over clients with words that actually reflect your vision.

Don't let overused phrases dull your impact.

Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gMjhCfpi

#Business #ExecutiveCoaching #CommunicationSkills #BusinessGrowth

In my leadership training workshops and executive coaching, people downplay the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in leadership.

When you start your career, technical skills are paramount. You must excel at the work. But as you climb in an organization, you move further from technical tasks. At some point, you’re managing the people who manage the people who manage the work. Technical skills still matter, but people skills become far more important.

My research and work with thousands of leaders show that in mid-level management, EQ is about five times more important than technical skills. At senior levels, EQ is roughly nine times more important. You must be competent, but if you’re exceptional at your job and can’t work well with others, you won’t succeed as a leader.

---

I’ve put together a page that outlines my latest sessions for associations. Although the focus is on associations, the same lessons apply to any business seeking to strengthen its leadership and culture. The page also includes a short sizzle reel that gives a preview of the sessions. You can take a quick look here: https://lnkd.in/g78qz22C

#Business #ExecutiveDevelopment #LeadershipDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence

Many of us suffer from the problem of always trying to “fix” things. We’re happy to give people our ideas, suggestions, and guidance on what they should do. This isn’t always the best course of action. Here is a brief video to help you better deal with these situations.

---

I’ve put together a page that outlines my latest sessions for associations. Although the focus is on associations, the same lessons apply to any business seeking to strengthen its leadership and culture. The page also includes a short sizzle reel that gives a preview of the sessions. You can take a quick look here: https://lnkd.in/g78qz22C

#Business #ExecutiveCoaching #Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment

It is one of the clearest signals of commitment you will ever see in an interview. When someone takes the time to study your business, your competitors, and your industry, they show you the respect, curiosity, and ownership that high-level roles demand.

This Wednesday’s blog breaks down why preparation is the most revealing leadership filter you can use.

Make strategy simple. Use this guide to spot the right strategies, apply them with discipline, avoid costly mistakes, and keep your priorities straight. Get your free guide here: https://lnkd.in/g5hNAzTz

#Business #ExecutiveCoaching #Interview #ProfessionalDevelopment

In Episode 5 of Notes for an Awesome Life, Joshua Wilson and I walk through a simple way to define what your ideal life looks like. We talk about why hope isn’t enough, how to set boundaries without guilt, and the two big lies that keep people stuck, it’s easy and it’s fast.

If you’ve been struggling with focus or feeling pulled in too many directions, this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen to Envisioning Your Ideal Life wherever you get your podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gy29zhY7

New podcast episode: Envisioning Your Ideal Life. Everyone has a picture in their minds of their ideal life. But how do we get from wishing to doing? In the latest episode of “Notes for an Awesome Life with John Spence” John discusses a practical visioning process for your ideal life and why “hope is not a strategy.” This episode also covers maintaining boundaries and how to say no without guilt, all in the service of much needed self-care. 

#selfcare #selfimprovement #johnspence #notesforanawesomelife

Link to episode in first comment.

taplio

John Spence's Linkedin Analytics

John Spence

Performance ScoreJohn Spence's LinkedIn Performance

What is John talking about?

John Spence's Best Posts (last 30 days)

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

.css-6ytdur{background-image:linear-gradient(284deg, rgba(39, 43, 72, 1) 0%, rgba(33, 47, 183, 1) 100%);color:transparent;-webkit-background-clip:text;background-clip:text;}John Spence's Linkedin Analytics

John Spence

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}John Spence's LinkedIn Performance

What is John talking about?

John Spence's Best Posts .css-1emoo84{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:400;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);}(last 30 days)

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

John Spence's Linkedin Analytics

Performance ScoreJohn Spence's LinkedIn Performance

John Spence's Best Posts (last 30 days)