John:: Hi my name is John Clark I was born and raised in Spokane W.A. I’m a husband and Father. I’m a podcaster, a visual artist, a mentor, keynote & empowerment speaker, and a writer in progress. I’m positive, focused and determined to change the world.
My dream is to help build people in their leadership ability and potential. I desire for everyone to discover their true selves and their God given gifts that are on the inside of them and serve them to the world. I’m convinced that inside each of us is a hidden leader waiting to be discovered, And it is our obligation to find, discover, unlock and serve ourselves to humanity. I believe the biggest accomplishment for any kind of leadership role is to leave a legacy for others to run with. There is no time for holding onto what you’re called to serve so passing it on to the next generation is the key to success in leadership. I want to open up a facility and even a virtual workshop that is accessible around the globe to help others grow, learn, get empowered to discover and serve the world their gifts.
KISH: Who or what inspired you to pursue this dream?
My inspiration has been Dr. Myles Munroe. I have been mentored by him for many years through his books, his teachings and messages. After I listened to him the first time I was intrigued by his words of wisdom, understanding of the Bible, discovery of himself and the purpose for which he was living. As I continued listening to him over the years I discovered my passion and dreams. I realized my potential was inside of me all these years. I finally stopped searching for what I already had in me. What I discovered is What’s inside of me is the same thing that’s inside of you, it’s the greatest story ever told and you’re the author of it.
KISH: What challenges have you encountered while pursuing your dream?
There have been four big challenges that I have encountered while chasing these dreams. My mindset was one of the biggest challenges in this process. From my youth having been told that I was a slow learner, I felt like I could not change my mindset. I enrolled in college and realized that I am not a slow learner, but I have a brilliant mind. I had to change my thinking to be able to achieve these steps and move forward in my ability and potential. Changing my mindset was the most powerful experience I had gone through. This gave me the tools needed to propel myself even more into my purpose. Once my mindset caught up with my dreams, my eyes were opened for the first time to see myself the way God sees me. This empowered me to have confidence in myself. I realize that I was more capable than my mind would allow me to believe.
Excuses is the next challenge I had to get through. I believe by nature I can be an expert in making excuses. I didn’t feel qualified, I don’t have a college degree, I don’t have the experience, I don’t feel intelligent enough. There are so many excuses that were used to distract, stop, cause fear and disable my ability. Truthfully none of these came from God, but from my own insecurities and the lack of self belief. God’s word is true and I believe His word to be true. I had to get an understanding of self value and see who I am and whose I am. I’m the son of a King, I have what it takes, I have the ability, I have a voice, I am a person of value and I have something to say that will add to the lives of people around me.
The third challenge I went through was fighting for my life. I’m a stage three Hodgkin Lymphoma survivor. I had realized that there was a disease inside of me that had challenged my faith, my beliefs, my purpose and my dreams. Instead of accepting defeat I accepted the challenge to fight. While going through chemo and radiation I threw myself into God who was my source of strength. Whenever I look back on this challenge I understand that when any kind of product has a malfunction you send it back to the manufacturer to be fixed and the problems solved.
The fourth challenge was the loss of my mother. She was one of the most inspirational people in my life. She always encouraged me to be the best that I can be. She believed that I would one day speak before millions. After she died suddenly it shook me to my core and actually made me question my faith. I didn’t realize that my faith wasn’t grounded deep enough until that moment. I was angry with God and It put me into a state of depression. One day I realized how valuable and short life really is. Dr. Myles Munroe, whom I look up to and consider to be my mentor, once said “the graveyard is the wealthiest place in the world, where ideas have never been produced, music and art never exposed, businesses never built”. From that moment I decided I didn’t want to add to that wealth of the graveyard. This knowledge drove me to want to honor God, my mother and myself by living the life I was purposed to live and pour into the lives of others.
KISH: Who or what inspired you to keep pushing regardless of the challenges you’ve encountered?
My inspiration first is God. He is the reason I keep pushing forward past the challenges. He’s truly my source. I can do nothing without him. He gives me the strength when I need it and the council when I seek it. Secondly my wife and son are also my inspiration to keep going and making a difference in the world. In front of my success is my wife who is my biggest cheerleader.
KISH: Please provide final thoughts/advice for others by finishing this sentence… dream.
If I could leave you with one thought it is this. Dream, keep dreaming and don’t ever stop. Your dreams are never meant to scare you, stop you or question you. Your dreams are meant to propel you, guide you, drive you and empower you. I encourage you to write down your dreams even if they’re 20 pages long and believe in them. If your dreams are not scaring you they’re not big enough. Know that your dreams are supposed to surpass your understanding right now, because your mind only wants to function in the logic of where you’re at right now. Listen to your dreams and I promise, you will discover your purpose through them. Where God guides He provides. Remember you’re the author of the greatest story ever told!
I can be reached in my DMs on Instagram @socialingenuity
Email me at jcsocialimgenuity@gmail.com
My podcast is Social Ingenuity on all major platforms
