Welcome to a very special episode and wisdom mini-series. This four-part series originates from an archive of rare 2004 recordings of wisdom conversations with my mentor, John Wells Jr. In the truest sense this batch of wisdom has been two decades in the making.

Sadly, John passed away in early February 2005, after battling cancer. Those conversations and recordings served as a pre-cursor, perhaps even a prequel to this podcast which launched 15 years later in 2019.

The Art of Visualization

In Part Two of our our mini-series, John tells one of his favorite stories. It's the story of the world's most famous sculptor, Michelangelo, working to craft the statue of David. This story is a wisdom lesson illustrating the incredible power of belief guided by the art of visualization.

When John shared this story with me, it inspired me to take my marketing consulting firm, once a dream, to a greater level of reality. He challenged me to envision the greatest form my business and my life could attain.

What might John's rousing story inspire in you today?

More About Our Wise Guest - John Wells, Jr.

John was one of the most effective and influential mentors in my lifetime. He taught, led and influenced me, opening my eyes and expanding my thinking on those things that truly matter. I was deeply blessed to know him.

John was a dedicated retail veteran and community leader who co-founded Wells Home Furnishings after many years working at R.H. Kyle Furniture Co.

Known for his entrepreneurial spirit, he led his business to award-winning success and earned induction into the National Wholesale Furniture Association Hall of Fame. Beyond his career, Wells was deeply involved in civic and youth service organizations in Charleston, including the Boys Scouts, YMCA and United Way, among others, reflecting his commitment to community betterment.

His leadership extended to serving as past president of the National Wholesale Furniture Association, where he influenced industry standards and fostered professional growth. Locally, John was known as an effective, tireless leader and chairperson of several charity fundraising drives.

In 2000, John was honored with the prestigious Ernst Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Though he never sought the spotlight, one day the President of the United States, George W. Bush, stood in Charleston and honored John Wells for his service. His legacy is marked by his dedication to his family, his profession and his community, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

Resources

YMCA Spirit of the Valley Tribute Video to John Wells, Jr. (2005)

Wells Home Furnishings website

Credits

Special thanks to Motion Masters, Inc. - Diana Sole Walko, CEO/President - for generously supporting and capturing video and audio from these 2004 sessions.

Editor + Technical Advisor Bob Hotchkiss

Brand + Strategy Advisor Andy Malinoski

PR + Partnerships Advisor Rachel Bell

Marketing, Social Media and Graphic Design Chloe Lineberg

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Episode Keywords

Wisdom, Art, Sculpture, Podcast, Michelangelo, John Wells Jr., Mentor, Visualization, Potential, Resilience, Vision, Leadership, Service, Courage, Insights, Family, Cancer