Jonathan Kidwell shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Jonathan, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
On most days, my first 90 minutes look the same. They all include the same 5 things. I say most days because I have 3 kiddos (8, 5, and 3 years old). So sometimes there are still some “exciting” nights with variable sleep patterns.
5 days a week, my day starts at 5:00 AM. I begin with praying, followed by reading my Bible. Sometimes I will read a portion of the business/leadership book I am working on at that time, but typically, after the Bible, it is straight into exercise. My exercise of choice is running. I run between 2.5 and 5 miles 5 days a week. Then, after getting ready for the day, I have breakfast with my family and drive all my kids to school so we can drop off the 2 older ones.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am the founder and CEO of Leadwell, where we help develop outstanding leaders, thriving teams, and successful organizations. We know that too often leadership training and business consulting are boring and something ‘we did that one time’. At Leadwell, we make it fun, relatable, and we walk with you through to help with all the tough stuff – like communication, delegation, accountability, and developing people.
I wrote Redefine Your Servant Leadership, a practical guide to leading with a servant heart and a business mind. I also host The Leadwell Podcast, sharing principled, practical tools and conversations with leaders navigating real-world challenges.
Earlier in my career, I was a teacher, then served as a nonprofit executive leading a team of 1,100+, which shaped my conviction that people, purpose, and performance and never separate priorities when it comes to leading well and doing work that matters.
Today, alongside trainings and keynotes, I’m building Leadwell+, a simple platform that helps organizations increase engagement, visibility, and leadership effectiveness.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My Dad and Mom. My parents have an incredible work ethic and family ethic. They worked very hard. There were nights and seasons when it was apparent there was a lot of work to be done. I remember my Mom staying late at school on Thursday nights and sometimes grading papers on the floor of the living room. I remember my Dad being incredibly consistent with his routine and his commitment to work, even sometimes working on projects in the office after dinner or on a Saturday.
I also remember we ate breakfast and dinner together nearly every day. Dad would always (as far as I remember) pause the evening work to come play basketball in the driveway. Both parents were at every recital, sports, or school event I can remember. And, we vacationed at our extended family members’ houses for all the major holidays and school breaks.
My parents showed me the value of prioritizing family time and working hard.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Good things come to those who work hard. I know a lot of things come easy, and it is tempting to just skirt by or accept things as good enough. It is a trap, and that level of good is always diminishing and never pays off like you think it will. Work hard on your marriage, your family, your friendships, and your work – when you do it won’t be good. It will be outstanding.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
There are many. Too many to recount. I built the practice of – then the love of reading in my twenties. So, I have lots of ideas that I’ve adopted and co-opted that are not my own. But, the one that is most important above all, that I still do not get right all the time, is the idea of going to the Bible for wisdom, counsel, and direction on matters big and small. A mentor of mine has a question he likes to ask, which is, “What does the Bible say?” So, when I answer others’ questions or teach my children, I try to anchor my answers, ideas, and counsel to what the Bible says. Those Biblical ideas and principles are not my own – they are much, much better.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
Building Leadwell. We have lofty goals and a long horizon. It pays off daily with our clients and with our team. We are doing amazing work and growing each year. And, our goals are large because we need outstanding leaders who make work, and ultimately the world, better. So, our “pay off” for today’s hard work is years out.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://leadwell.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonkidwell/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theLeadwellPage
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theleadwellpage/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
