Meet Dr. John Reeb
Although I didn’t understand it at the time, my first lesson in leadership came from my dad. He was the pastor at a church that had a school. One time, I overheard him expressing doubt about a decision that the school principal had made. I asked him why he didn’t just order the principal to do it differently. His answer, “I was given the responsibility to lead the church. He was given the responsibility to lead the school. I won’t use my authority to override what he believes is best.”
"I would gladly work for John again."
As a technical lead, I thought leadership was about having the right answers. People came to me with technical problems, and my job was to solve them.
Then I was promoted to manager.
For the first time, I realized that my decisions affected far more than projects and technology—they affected the careers, confidence, and futures of the twelve people on my team. I wasn't just responsible for the work anymore. I was responsible for the people doing it.
I had often thought, If I were running this company, I'd do things differently.
Now I had the opportunity—and the responsibility—to do exactly that.
Leadership stopped being about fixing everything that was wrong. It became about helping my team succeed. Ironically, when they succeeded, so did I.
That's when I discovered something that has shaped every leadership role since:
The leaders people remember aren't necessarily the smartest or the most charismatic.
They're the ones who consistently help others become more than they believed they could become.
The Day Leadership Became Personal
Experience
40+ years
Leadership experience
Hundreds
Leaders developed
50+ managers
Observed and learned from
Scores
Organizations served
What I Believe
Leadership is influence, not position.
Trust is earned daily.
Great leaders ask great questions.
Every person has greater potential than they realize.
Leadership is about helping others grow.
Outside of Leadership
Family
Family has always been the center of my life. My wife, children, and grandchildren all live in the Denver area, which means we get to spend a lot of time together.
Lifelong learner
I've loved books since I was six years old when my sister took me to the library for my first "real" book. That curiosity never left. I still read constantly because every book has something to teach us.
Colorado
I was born and raised in Colorado and still love hiking, golfing, camping, and simply enjoying this beautiful state.
Serving others
Some of my most meaningful experiences have come through serving others—as an Elder in my church and as a Community Safety Volunteer. Volunteering has taught me that when we invest in others, we often grow even more ourselves.
I'd love to help your organization develop stronger leaders.
Looking back, I realize my first leadership lesson came from my father.
Decades later, after leading teams, teaching leaders, serving organizations, and writing this book, I still believe he was right.
Leadership isn't about using authority.
It's about helping people become more than they believed they could become.
