Jamy Bechler

Providing Insights on Leadership and Success. Coach Bechler is a John Maxwell Leadership Team Member.

Books to Read in 2019

I love to read. It wasn’t always that way. We were made to read in 1st grade and I hated it. However, all that changed in 2nd grade. That was when we were able to pick something from the prize box when we read so many pages. I couldn’t tell you a single book that I read that year, but boy do I remember those baseball cards that I picked out and how it motivated me to become a better reader. My teacher allowed me to read football books, baseball books, detective books, really any kind of book that I was interested in.. I read books that interested me … and, yeah I started my huge baseball card collection. Fast forward to present day and I am still reading books. My shelves may be full of books, but unlike many professors or business people, the books on my bookshelves aren’t just for looks, they have all been read. As 2019 approaches, I realized that I need a new batch of books to get me through the year as I ride the stationary bike at the YMCA or read right before falling asleep. Here are the 19 books that I plan on reading in 2019. I just went through Amazon and put them in my shopping cart and can’t wait for them to arrive. I will give you a quick summary of why I am wanting to read each book. Keep in mind, I am not saying these books are good books, like my previous articles Books for Coaches, Books for Leaders, Recommended Books for 2018, Underrated Books for Leaders but rather that these are the ones that I want to read for various reasons. I hope that they are good,otherwise I will have to toss the book and Mrs. Johnson might not give me credit for it thus denying me the next great baseball card from the prize box.

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Episode 108: Phil Hellmuth, 15x World Series of Poker Champion

Nobody has won more World Series of Poker championships than Phil Hellmuth Jr.  He won his 15th WSOP Bracelet in the summer of 2018, which puts him far ahead of Phil Ivey, Johnny Chan, and Doyle Brunson (who all have 10 bracelets). Hellmuth also holds the record for most cash finishes and most final table appearances at the World Series of Poker. In 1989, the 24-year old Hellmuth became the youngest person ever to win the WSOP Main Event when he defeated legendary Johnny Chan. “The Poker” Brat as he is known for his colorful and competitive personality, was elected to the Poker Hall of Fame in 2007. He has also written a New York Times best-seller (“Play Poker Like the Pros”), as well as his autobiography (“Poker Brat”). Hellmuth also is very active in raising funds for charities. He has raised more than $50 million in his lifetime for charitable causes and organizations.

In today’s episode, we discuss:
  • What makes him so good
  • The process of writing his books
  • Qualities and principles of success and positivity
  • … and so much more!!!

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Episode 107: NJCAA Executive Director Christopher Parker

Christopher Parker is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Junior College Athletic Association. Dr. Parker is responsible for all oversight of the country’s second largest athletic association. He is charged with leading all aspects of the association and its 512 member colleges, while enhancing the opportunities for student-athletes and member institutions. His daily duties are to provide overarching leadership of all aspects with special concentration on membership growth, financial stability, and organizational growth. Dr. Parker gives national presentations throughout the country and works hard to represent every single region across the nation. He has coached Division I baseball, while also starting the first ever NJCAA athletic program in the Virginia Community College System where he served as both the athletic director and head baseball coach.  Dr. Parker also served PHCC in a number of other capacities to include: Director of Student Life, Assistant Dean of Arts and Sciences, Dean of Academics, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Campus Life, and Athletics, Executive Director of the PHCC Foundation and Real Estate Foundation, as well as adjunct instructor.  He also went on to serve Pfeiffer University as Vice President where he was in charge of enrollment at all levels, financial aid, marketing, and public Relations.  During his time at Pfeiffer, the university experienced the largest incoming freshmen class in more than 30 years. Dr. Parker has taught adjunct for more than 7 different institutions nationally, while specializing in sports management, leadership, and exercise.   Christopher also served as the assistant men’s director and the women’s director of Region 10 of the NJCAA for seven years, while also overseeing the treasury duties.  In addition, Dr. Parker served as the Executive Director of the Patrick County Education Foundation under former Virginia Governor Gerald Baliles.

In today’s episode, we discuss:
  • The benefits of going to a community college
  • Leadership initiatives and programs that make the NJCAA special
  • Former athletes such as Jimmy Butler and Cam Newton, who started off at the NJCAA level
  • Recruiting advice for parents
  • … and so much more!!!

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Leaders Growing Leaders

Last week, I attended the John Maxwell Team Live Event in Orlando and received my certification in coaching, speaking and leadership from the #1 Leadership Expert in the world (editor’s note – originally published on March 21, 2016).  After 5 months of online training, these three days of workshops and live training were beyond insightful.  I have always been a John Maxwell fan and have read many of his 100+ books.  Now, I am licensed to teach his materials and add value to others.

The title on the front cover of our workbooks said “Leaders Growing Leaders”.  That seems appropriate.  As iron sharpens iron, we add value to others and help others lead significant lives.  Leadership really is influence, as John teaches. Here ere are my seven favorite thoughts from last week’s conference.

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Episode 106: Greg Tonagel, Indiana Wesleyan University Basketball Coach

Greg Tonagel is the head men’s basketball coach at Indiana Wesleyan University. Tonagel and the Wildcats have won three NAIA Division II National Championships in a five year spans with titles in 2014, 2016, and 2018. Since Tonagel took over the program in 2005, he has become the winningest coach in program history both in total wins and winning percentage. Prior to coming to IWU, Tonagel served as Director of Basketball Operations at Valparaiso University, where he also played for legendary Homer Drew and appeared in four NCAA Tournaments as the starting point guard. He also led his LaPorte High School team to the last single class state finals in 1997. Much of the unprecedented success of the Wildcats can be attributed to the culture Tonagel built at IWU.  The IWU culture is built around two Biblically transforming principles; I am Third and Fearless. This has helped the influence of IWU basketball to extend far beyond the court. Tonagel and his staff have been committed to using basketball as a platform for discipleship.

In today’s episode, we discuss:
  • What any coach can do to create a better culture
  • Why IWU is so good year in and year out
  • How he convinces great players (including DI transfers from IU and Kansas) to come to IWU
  • … and so much more!!!

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