Jamy Bechler

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

  • Home
  • About
  • Store
  • Blog
  • SEARCH FIRM
  • Podcast
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Speaking
  • Training

Jun 20 2021

Speech to Scholarship Winners

This is the transcript of a speech Jamy Bechler gave to the 2021 Barberton, Ohio Kiwanis International scholarship winners. 

Some of us see a 6. Some of us see a 9.

Sometimes whether we see a 6 or a 9 is based on our perspective. Our point of view.

We sometimes see things differently than others. It doesn’t mean that they are right and we are wrong, but it also doesn’t mean that we are right and they are wrong. Sometimes people just see things differently.

Sometimes it’s not just people but situations or things that we see differently. We might see a 6, but the reality is that the situation is a 9.

Our point of view or perspective may not always be right, but it also may not always be wrong. Sometimes we just see the world differently.

[Read more…]

Written by Jamy Bechler · Categorized: News, Personal Growth · Tagged: 6 vs. 9, Comparisons, Dreams, future, Goals, Graduates, Graduation Speech, Kiwanis, Learn to Listen, Listen to Learn, Mindset, Motivational Speaking, Opportunity, Perspective, public speaking, Scholarship Winners, Seek First to Understand, seven habits of highly effective people, Speech, Stephen Covey

Jan 03 2020

Episode 133: Jim Johnson, A Coach and a Miracle

Jim Johnson won more than 400 games as a high high school basketball coach. He only had one losing record in his 30 years of being a head coach. However, he is probably best known for what he did in 2006.  His kindhearted gesture of giving an autistic student (now known affectionately as “J-Mac”) on his team the chance to make his dream come true has captivated the hearts of millions of Americans. How could it not? With the help of his teammates, J-Mac scored twenty points (including six three-point baskets) in just over four minutes, becoming an instant national celebrity.

Coach Johnson has been featured in major news outlets around the country, making a number of radio and television appearances, including the Oprah Winfrey and Jim Rome shows. He has met President George W. Bush, Governor George Pataki, and Senator Hillary Clinton, to name just a few luminaries. His team was paid a visit at school by NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and J-Mac’s magical moment won the ESPY for “Best Sports Moment” at the ESPN awards show later that year.

You can find out more about Coach Jim Johnson and his book “A Coach and a Miracle” by visiting www.CoachJimJohnson.com

In today’s episode, we discuss:
  • The inspirational story of J-Mac
  • Getting fired after his first year of coaching
  • Building a culture & turning programs around
  • … and so much more!!!

[Read more…]

Written by Jamy Bechler · Categorized: Podcast Episodes, Sports, Teams & Organizations · Tagged: Autism, Autistic, basketball coach, Coach and a Miracle, ESPN, ESPY, ESPY's, High School, inspirational, J-Mac, Jason Mcelwain, Jim Johnson, Kindness, Leadership, Manager, Motivational Speaker, Opportunity

Sep 28 2018

When Preparation Meets Opportunity

You’ve probably heard of guys like Tom Brady, Joe Montana, John Elway, Terry Bradshaw, and Peyton Manning. These are some of the best quarterbacks in the history of the National Football League. But none of them – or anyone else for that matter – has ever done what Ryan Fitzpatrick has accomplished through the first 3 weeks of the NFL season. Ryan Fitzpatrick (“FitzMagic” as he is known) has thrown for more than 400 yards in all three games. No NFL quarterback has ever thrown for 400 yards in three straight games. Ever!

[Read more…]

Written by Jamy Bechler · Categorized: Personal Growth, Sports, Teams & Organizations · Tagged: Abraham Lincoln, Fitzmagic, Football, Good attitude, Jameis Winston, Joe Montana, john elway, NFL, Opportunity, peyton manning, Preparation, Quarterback, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Teammate, teammates, Terry Bradshaw, Tom Brady

Apr 23 2018

Episode 074: JJ Birden, Former NFL Wide Receiver

JJ Birden played 9 years in the NFL as a Wide Receiver after a stand out career as a star track athlete at the University of Oregon, which is known as “Tracktown, USA”.  A 5’10”, 157-pound wide receiver, JJ was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 1988 NFL Draft and played nine seasons (Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, and Atlanta Falcons). To play nine years in a profession where the average players career last an average of 3.2 years is something special. Two of those nine years was with Hall of Fame Quarterback Joe Montana. He certainly was not the biggest, strongest, or fastest guy on the field, but he knew how to seize his once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and maximize his success through dedication and hard work.

He is now a motivational speaker and representative for the health and nutrition company Isagenix. He is an engaging communicator and a leading expert at helping individuals seize their opportunities in life. In his presentations, JJ shares lessons from his experience as a small man in a big man’s game. JJ’s time in the NFL helped shape the message that he now delivers to audiences around the world. After seeing the successes and failures of others at the highest level, he developed a set of principles that others could follow to achieve greatness, no matter how they defined it or what they’re pursuing.

JJ has also written a book entitled, “When Opportunity Knocks: 8 Surefire Ways to Take Advantage.” He and his wife Raina have 8 kids, including 5 that are adopted.

In today’s episode, we discuss:

  • Catching footballs from Joe Montana
  • Playing 9 years in the NFL
  • Adopting 5 children
  • Staying positive in any situation
  • Whether this world-class sprinter ever got caught from behind

[Read more…]

Written by Jamy Bechler · Categorized: Podcast Episodes · Tagged: Adoption, Atlanta Falcons, Challenges, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Deion Sanders, Football, Isagenix, jason romano, JJ Birden, Joe Montana, Kansas City Chiefs, mental toughness, New England Patriots, NFL, Opportunities, Opportunity, Perseverance, Preparation, Pro Football, Success is a Choice, Track & Field, Underdog, University of Oregon

Tweets by CoachBechler

Featured Blog Posts

  • 3 Types of Teams During March
  • Storming the Court
  • Content of Our Character
  • 2 Flat Tires
  • Only Thankful Person
  • 9 Things to Avoid as a New Coach
  • Honoring Fallen Teammates
  • Labor Day
  • Bay College Partners with Bechler Leadership for Softball Search
  • Halfway Point

Blog Categories

  • Business
  • Job Search
  • Leadership
  • News
  • Personal Growth
  • Podcast Episodes
  • Sports
  • Teams & Organizations

Sign Up For Leadership Insights

Join Thousands Of Others Who Follow Jamy On These Platforms:

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2025 · Jamy Bechler · Providing Insights on Leadership and Success · site design: red letter design