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This month, with our second in the series of Leader ToC™ Blog Posts for 2017, we interview the stupendous Ray Hollister.  Another longtime colleague and friend, I first experienced Ray at a CAPS Convention in Toronto back in 2010.  His talk was mesmerizing.  I knew, one day, that I would want to interview the man because Leader ToC™ is all about that kind of heroic leadership.

Leader ToC™ (Thoughts on Character) is our monthly series engaging leaders around the world on character, leadership and more.

Before we truly get started this month, here is last month’s edition with Stephanie Staples and a compilation of the first six in the series from 2016.  Enjoy.

Now…

INTRODUCING RAY HOLLISTER

We are humbly proud to say Ray is a contributing member of The CAST™.  Here is just a little of what we have come to know of Ray.

rayRAY HOLLISTER is all about strength, excellence and potential. In fact, he has a very special connection with students – he’s helped thousands achieve average scores of over 90% for 20 years! His love of learning… and his ability to teach anybody the same easy strategies he used to study far less than everyone else while maintaining outrageously high test scores… quickly earned him a lot of ‘friends’ seeking his advice. Ray has personally conducted numerous studies to develop an intense, focused, and  results oriented program for college students. With the success of that program, Ray set his sights on helping younger students in Junior High, High School, and those just entering University. The end result is a program that will help any student – especially YOU – learn more, study less, and earn consistently high grades.

Ray is Stupendous Man.  So, let’s get at it to …

Engage the Leader ToC™

BARRY LEWIS GREEN

Hey Ray.  🙂  I am so glad you could take the time to connect on Leader ToC™.  I have been wanting to do this for a while.  So, let’s just get at it.  The first question I typically ask is “Who are you and what is it you do?”

RAY HOLLISTER

My pleasure Barry.  Well, my name is Ray Hollister and I share with others how to develop, cultivate, and utilize resilience in their lives.

BARRY LEWIS GREEN

That is so powerfully succinct and says a lot.  So, with that in mind, for whom do you do it best?  In other words… Ray, who is your best audience?

RAY HOLLISTER

Well, my best audiences are actually comprised of two groups.  First, I serve students (of any age!) who desire and are committed to getting GREAT grades and averaging over 90% on any exam.  Second, I serve people who are facing traumatic/dramatic events in their lives and are looking for help, understanding, or simply ideas to apply to their life.

BARRY LEWIS GREEN

I have certainly experienced your impact myself.  It still resonates these 7 years later.  Well then, how is it you best serve them?  How do you offer your services?

RAY HOLLISTER

Well, first… for students… (again, of any age), I offer live events (seminars), webinars, and online courses. My website, www.truestudyskills.com, contains links to upcoming webinars and will also be the portal for my online courses as they roll out.  Secondly, for people who are dealing with traumatic events in their lives, I offer both live events in seminar format, as well as individual consultation for those who desire privacy or prefer one-on-one counseling.

BARRY LEWIS GREEN

I like the balance.  So Ray, with all that you do and serve in mind… in these times, what are the challenges and opportunities of leadership, from your perspective and experience?

RAY HOLLISTER

Great question.  The major challenges of leadership from my perspective in these times is understanding the value of strong mentorship. After all, a mentor is indeed a leader… and understanding the value of following well, leads to leading well. The biggest opportunity I see for leadership in these times is expanding and exploring the value of servant leadership. In these times, learning to serve your community is the glue that will hold everything together.

BARRY LEWIS GREEN

As an educator and community guy, I could not agree more.  That being said, and given our own work around character and leadership… when reflecting on the strengths of leadership, what virtues do you consider to be paramount as strengths of character and why do you believe them vital?

RAY HOLLISTER

At the risk of sounding self-serving, I believe that Resilience and Reflection are paramount to strong leadership. Our ability to rebound from tough times and unforeseen events are seen and viewed by everyone around us. Whether or not you believe you are a leader, people WILL see how you respond to tough situations. Reflection upon what you’ve learned through the tough times – and how to implement what you learned – is also a key element of leadership. I believe both these traits are vital and truly shape the strength and effectiveness of leadership skills in any individual.

BARRY LEWIS GREEN

I love it.  It speaks to me of resilience, mindfulness, discernment, and more.  I like the take you have on it.  So, what is one piece of advice you might have for our readership on developing leadership and strength of character in these times?

RAY HOLLISTER

I think one fantastic piece of advice is also one that causes people the biggest challenge; “Act and speak at all times as if your mother was right behind you.” There are so many actions taken and words spoken that we would most certainly have avoided if our mothers had been with us at the moment! Though the thought of this may bring a smile to your face, it may also cause you to cringe – may I suggest that if it causes you to cringe, you should reflect on your current ‘path’ of leadership behavior.

BARRY LEWIS GREEN

That metaphor is strong.  I heard it said, be the person your dog already believes you to be.  In many ways, it is about thinking upon your hero and asking what would they do or expect.  So, we are almost done (for now).  How can someone connect with you for more information on your work?

RAY HOLLISTER

There is my website.  I am also on Facebook (a simple search for Ray Hollister will bring me up), I am on twitter -@ray_hollister, and my email address is hollister.ray@gmail.com. Lastly, I happily accept phone calls/texts to 210-692-4141.

BARRY LEWIS GREEN

Ray, I admire your approach to life and leadership.  It has been a pleasure to connect with you on these questions and answers with Leader ToC™.  Thank you so much.

RAY HOLLISTER

I have enjoyed it my friend.  Truly.

 

Leader ToC™ out…

Folks, check out Ray’s work.  You will be glad you did.

And… continuing through 2017, around the third or final Friday of each month… we will continue to engage and explore with experts and leaders around the globe.  We invite you to join us.

Until next month…

Peace, passion and prosperity.

Barry Lewis Green, aka The Unity Guy™

Barry is ultimately a vocalist, strength coach and educator. His work is about exploring, identifying, practicing and mastering our strengths and building upon them through practical and powerful unity and resourcefulness. That is why Barry is The Unity Guy™. EPIC Engage™ is an extension of The Unity Guy™. The Epic work is all about building strong, united and inspired cultures lead by character… at school, work, business and community; where everyone matters and contributes everyday.

PS

Here are some additional resources that may be of use and\or interest:

PPS (Other Resources)

  • Our work is all about character. We work hard and joyfully to help build character driven, united and resourceful organizations and communities around the globe. As part of that work, we offer you …
  • and our buffet of FREE services and resources here.