John Neral, MA, CPC reawakens, energizes, galvanizes, and innovates the mind think of employees, corporations, associations, and systems. A celebrated executive/career and professional development coach and in-demand, mindset-shifting public speaker, John’s professional walk included a 25-year career in education and a longstanding corporate consultant for Fortune 500 giant, Casio America, Inc. He now leads John Neral Coaching, LLC, one of the most progressive, mindset-shifting professional and organizational coaching and public speaking firms in the U.S. He is the author of Your Mid-Career GPS – Four Steps to Figuring Out What’s Next and SHOW UP – Six Strategies to Lead a More Energetic and Impactful Career and the host of “The Mid-Career GPS Podcast.”
As a Master Practitioner in the Energy Leadership Index, John’s experience has made him an impactful and valuable coach to his one-on-one and group coaching clients and organizations. With Energy Leadership™, John identifies where people perform at their optimal levels and when they are under stress. Combining the Energy Leadership™ principles, a client’s workplace strengths, and their “unique professional value,” John helps his clients create their career GPS so they can take action toward achieving their professional and personal goals.
A former church organ prodigy, John is an avid traveler–having sojourned to 5 of the 7 continents, a professional bowler and the winner of a Professional Bowlers’ Association Regional Title (2010), and a game-show fan, having appeared on previous episodes of GSN’s Chain Reaction and Make My Day. John is happily married and lives with his spouse and their rescue cat, Amy Farrah Meowler (named after the Big Bang Theory character), in the heart of Washington DC’s Dulles Technology Corridor, Tysons Corner, VA.
You can visit his website at https://johnneral.com or follow him at Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads.
Thanks for this interview, John. Congratulations on your new book! Would you say it’s been a rocky road for you in regards to getting your book written and published or pretty much smooth sailing? Can you tell us about your journey?
Overall, it’s been a great experience. For this book, I hired a book coach and publisher to help me with the writing process. Working with Andrea Seydel from Live Life Happy Publishing helped me get this book done quicker because I was more focused. She held me accountable to great deadlines!
I also asked seven people to serve on an Editorial Board. This was an essential step in my process because I wanted people with different experiences and viewpoints to put their lens on this book to make it the best book I could write to help serve mid-career professionals. And I had an excellent editor, Richard Lucey, Jr., who helped me finalize the manuscript.
My professional journey includes a 25-year career where I worked as a middle school mathematics teacher and progressed to various leadership roles within my school and then at the state and national level. However, there were times during my journey where I had that “mid-career moment.” Those moments when my inner voice told me I needed to make a move and do something different so I could level up my career. Four years ago, I decided to leave my position as a Training and Staffing Director to open my coaching practice full-time to serve more people who are struggling with their careers and want more for themselves. It’s been a wonderful career move and I can’t wait to see what’s next for me and my business.
If you were to pen your own autobiography, what might the title be?
My first book, SHOW UP – Six Strategies to Lead a More Energetic and Impactful Career, is a part autobiography, so in some ways, I’ve written it.
When not writing, what do you like to do for relaxation and/or fun?
I bowl professionally on the PBA Regional Tour and love every chance I get to throw a bowling ball. I love spending time with my husband, Richard, baking, traveling, and watching game shows.
What makes your book stand out from the rest?
Your Mid-Career GPS – Four Steps to Figuring Out What’s Next is a one-stop guide for anyone looking to level up their career and stop feeling overwhelmed by the process. There is a ton of information out there. I wrote a book that combines the necessary information to help someone position themselves strategically in the marketplace to create their next advancement opportunity. There is a lot of research and references in my book. Plus, I leveraged my years of coaching to talk to the reader and help them navigate to whatever is next for their careers.
Can you give us the very first page of your book so that we can get a glimpse inside?
“My career path has been messy. It’s had its share of ups, downs, spirals, and turns. There were incredible moments of joy, along with sheer frustration, pain, and stress. I've worked with some of the most memorable and incredibly talented people you could imagine. I've also worked with a few people who weren't my favorites, but I have learned a ton from them and will always be grateful. And I've learned this is very common.”
If your book was put in the holiday section of the store, what holiday would that be and why?
New Year’s because many people optimistically look at the new year with exciting goals and ambitions. New jobs are always exciting and a great way to start the new year!
Would you consider turning your book into a series or has that already been done?
Absolutely! I have a few thoughts and plans in the works to do that.
When you were young, did you ever see writing as a career or full-time profession?
When I was younger, I loved telling stories. Writing is a great way to do that. However, I never saw writing as a full-time profession. My books have been a great way to open doors, meet new people, and have new clients for my business.
Did any of your books get rejected by publishers?
No. For this book, I wanted to work with a hybrid publisher. When I met with Andrea Seydel from Live Life Happy Publishing, it was such a great fit that it became an immediate “Yes.”
What is your view on co-authoring books; have you done any?
In my previous career as a mathematics teacher/consultant, I co-authored some books for a few educational companies. I enjoyed that process and would certainly do that again.
What’s next for you?
As things continue to open up, I’m looking to get back on the
stage and speak to audiences in person. I’m excited to talk to companies and
organizations, as well as various colleges and universities around the country about
career readiness and how to SHOW UP for your career in an ever-changing
landscape.
Are you considering a career change but doubt yourself or get easily overwhelmed by the entire process?
Are you a mid-career professional ready to level-up, but unsure of what steps to take?
What if there was an easy and supportive way to plan your next career destination?
Your Mid-Career GPS will guide you to create your own professional roadmap so you can find the job you love or love the job have. John Neral, Certified Professional Coach, will help you strategically position yourself in the marketplace while teaching you how to leverage your unique skills from a place of value and service for any organization.
Learn how to prepare, position, and promote yourself as you create a tactical and strategic plan by building Your Mid-Career GPS. Let this book be your guide to answer many of the current questions you have about creating your next advancement opportunity.
“This book is for those of you who feel like you know everything and nothing about what’s next, you can’t fathom writing yet another cover letter, and you wonder “why bother” when it comes to updating your résumé. If you are feeling alone on this journey, bring this book, and all of the insight and tools it contains, along with you. You will have John’s company along the path and you will be one step closer to finding your way!”–Natalie Siston, Best-selling author of Let Her Out: Reclaim Who You Have Always Been and Founder, Small Town Leadership
“John expertly guides readers through the trials, tribulations, and common pitfalls of mid-career professionals and managers. He also provides information on the effective career strategies and mindset needed to be successful. This book is a must read if you are looking for professional support and could use a career GPS! — Porschia Parker Griffin
Founder and CEO of Fly-High Coaching Millennial Coaching Institute
“LinkedIn is the most powerful tool to help you network, build professional relationships, learn, search for jobs, and much more. I always say if you are not on LinkedIn you might be left out. Your Mid-Career GPS provides valuable tips and guidance to help you navigate LinkedIn and start growing your network and create your next advancement opportunity.”— Rhonda L. Sher, LinkedIn Specialist, Author, Speaker
“I picked up this latest book after enjoying John Neral’s previous book, SHOW UP – Six Strategies to Lead a More Energetic and Impactful Career. In Your Mid-Career GPS, John Neral provides clear, actionable steps to put his six strategies into play quickly and effectively. I really enjoyed his conversational writing style as well. As a mid-career professional, I love that my cohort is the focus of his attention and expertise. He demonstrates throughout the book that he knows the benefits mid-career professionals bring to an organization and his thoughtful observations and exercises will help anyone define their professional value and market not only their skills but themselves. Reading and employing the strategies in this book can position you to be a more valuable resource to your current employer or challenge you to spread your wings and find your next, great career opportunity. The underlying message is one of empowerment and encouragement and that’s a message everyone can benefit from.”–Victoria A. Bourgeois
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