| What is your “Speaker Superpower”? | |
| I am Dr. Jonas Gadson, DTM known as “Mr. Enthusiastic!” An Expert Coach in Public Speaking and Effective Communication, Corporate Trainer, International Motivational Speaker, Eight Time Amazon Best Selling Author, Radio and TV Personality. I received the United States Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for fifty years of volunteering and community service! I am known as “Mr. Enthusiastic!” because I bring an unmatched energy, clarity, and conviction to every stage I speak on. I bring the fire! As an expert coach in public speaking and effective communication, I coach leaders to elevate their influence, sharpen their message, and speak with bold confidence! I deliver strategies that transform how people show up and speak up in their personal and professional lives. My messages are designed to transform the lives of my audience! | |
| How does your message empower others? | |
| My message inspires my audience to invest in themselves and master their communication! There are 8.2 billion people on the planet! And there will never be another person just like you! No one can duplicate your fingerprints, your handwriting or your voice! Bonus from Jonas, “Invest in the Most Important Person on the Planet, You!” You are fearfully and wonderfully made! “You Are An Original! Don’t You Dare Die A Cheap Copy!” This is Your Time, And This is Your Turn! This is the Decade for the Doers! Because you Can Always Better Your BEST! And Stand Above the Rest! My newest book, “Mastering Your Message. Pick Up Your Mic! We Need To Hear Your Voice!” captures the heart of my purpose. Endorsed by Dr. Willie Jolley and Dr. Cheryl Wood, the book guides readers to communicate with purpose and power in every situation. I remind my audience that everything positive they want is on the other side of mastering their communication. | |
| What inspired you to start speaking or coaching? | |
| I was inspired to start coaching in communication because I wanted to encourage others who had difficulty in expressing themselves. I wanted to demonstrate that they could overcome all of their challenges and become a powerful public speaker and effective communicator. Because at first, I had challenges communicating effectively! I thought that what I had to say wouldn’t be heard. And I used to doubt my ability to influence others. Before I began my speaking career, people used to laugh at me because of the way I talked. But, the more they laughed, the more I continued to learn! I was from South Carolina and grew up on a plantation. My subject and verbs did not agree, and my participles were always dangling! Someone asked me several years ago, “Dr. Jonas, are you working this hard to get somebody?” I answered, “No! I am working this hard to be somebody!” After I got a hold of public speaking, I experienced that a person who masters their communication climbs the corporate ladder, and the world opens up to them! Through my own experience, public speaking and effective communication elevated me from the manufacturing floor to the executive board room! A little boy had a dream that one day he would travel around the world wearing suits. And I am living that dream now! Bonus from Jonas, “If You Cheat Yourself In Your Preparation, It Will Show Up In Your Presentation!” I have overcome so many obstacles, and I teach others how to overcome too! Turn your obstacles into opportunities, your stumbling blocks into steppingstones, and your scars into stars! Bonus from Jonas, “When Your Value Is Clear, Your Decision Is Easy!” | |
| What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received in your career as a speaker? | |
| What I have learned throughout my speaking career is to never stop growing in your personal and professional life. Because you can always Better Your BEST! I have learned that when you develop your gift, it will make room for you. | |
| What are some of your most memorable moments or achievements in this field? | |
| • Training 8,000 employees from 69 countries at Eastman Kodak Company and receiving the “Trainer of the Year Award!” • Having my own radio program in Rochester, NY and in Beaufort, SC for 5 years. • I am proud of becoming an Amazon Best Selling Author with 8 books! • I am proud of writing and publishing my first book in 2010, “How To Fly Like An Eagle With Wings Like A Wimp!” • I graduated as an Elite Coach from Dr. Cheryl Wood’s Global Speakers University. • Presenting my workshop, “Say Yes To Your Success!” to 150 executive and professional women with standing room only at The Executive Women in Texas Government Annual Professional Development Conference. • Earning my Doctorate degree in theology. | |
| How do you stay motivated and inspired to continually grow your influence? | |
| I stay motivated and inspired because I am living my purpose. I am a man of faith. I understand why I am here; to make a positive difference and “not just a dent!” I read books, listen to other speakers who are industry leaders, I participate in masterclasses and conferences to develop new skills and continue to master my speaking. I do so to stay on the cutting edge and to bring value to my audiences with a relevant message that touches every person. I am leaving a guide so that those who come after me can live their lives and achieve their dreams, faster and more safely. My purpose is constantly pulling me! | |
| How does your brand reflect your core values? | |
| At my company Partners for Purposeful Living LLC, I have four principles that guide me on a daily basis, personally and professionally. They are Education, Inspiration, Transformation and Motivation! My Motto Is: “Since Greatness Is Possible Excellence Is Not Enough! Go for Greatness!” | |
| What do you want audiences to remember after experiencing your presentation or session? | |
| I want my audience to remember that: This Is Your Time! And This Is Your Turn! This Is The Decade for the Doers! To Take A Chance! Take Charge! And Take Control of your life! Because You Can Always Better Your BEST! Do It NOW! | |
| What has been your biggest learning experience as a speaker or consultant? | |
| My greatest learning experience was pivoting during the pandemic. And I learned that Bonus from Jonas, “Just because you use tech, doesn’t mean that you have to lose the human touch!” And, I have learned to develop a needs assessment to find out exactly what my audience wants! So that I know exactly what they want instead of making assumptions. Years ago, I rented a hotel space near the airport in Rochester, NY. I printed fliers and marketed my training everywhere! I ordered food for 100 people. And only 7 people showed up! That was a very expensive lesson to learn. Now, we conduct a needs assessment to specially craft and design every training, coaching, or keynote address. | |
| What advice would you give to aspiring speakers, coaches, or consultants who want to make an impact? | |
| I encourage inspiring speakers: Invest in you and specialize in one subject! People are not looking for generalists; they are looking for specialists. My success has come from being relentless in my personal and professional development. In my new book, I emphasize the importance of knowing yourself, knowing your subject, and knowing your specific audience! That makes you an impactful speaker. | |
| Finally, how can people get in touch with you? | |
| To get coaching and training in public speaking and effective communication that makes a positive impact, contact Dr. Jonas Gadson, DTM. Known as “Mr. Enthusiastic!” at Partners for Purposeful Living LLC: [email protected]. (585) 703-9547. www.jonasbonus.com. I am also on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. My Motto Is: “Since Greatness Is Possible Excellence Is Not Enough! Go for Greatness!” |