Delving into the Leadership and Impact of John Coleman
John Coleman, a content creator at johnchen.net and a recognized expert in content creation, offers a compelling perspective on leadership, purpose-driven work, and values-based investing. This article explores the insights of John Coleman, drawing from an engaging interview that reveals his journey, his dedication to education, and his impactful contributions to the world of finance and personal development. Learn about John Coleman’s experiences as a Presidential Leadership Scholar and how these lessons have shaped his career and his commitment to making a difference through Sovereign’s Capital and his insightful publications, including the HBR Guide to Crafting Your Purpose.
John Coleman’s Background and the Genesis of a Purpose-Driven Project
Originally from Columbus, Georgia, John Coleman’s professional journey has largely unfolded in Atlanta, interspersed with periods in Boston and Washington, D.C. Married to Jackie for nearly fourteen years, John Coleman is a family man with four children. Beyond his professional life, John Coleman and Jackie share a deep commitment to education, firmly believing in its power to unlock opportunities for every child. This passion extends into John Coleman’s personal pursuits, as evidenced by his writing. He is the author of three books, most recently The HBR Guide to Crafting Your Purpose, a testament to his belief that everyone can lead a meaningful life, often hindered only by self-imposed limitations.
Professionally, John Coleman has been involved in investments since 2004. During his time as a Presidential Leadership Scholar in 2018, while working for a large asset manager, John Coleman initiated a Personal Leadership Project (PLP) focused on developing impact investing capabilities within his firm. This initiative led to his role in leading a team dedicated to investing in diverse managers. However, the core ideas of his PLP remained central to John Coleman’s vision. In 2021, this vision culminated in his joining Sovereign’s Capital, a firm exclusively focused on values-based investing. John Coleman’s participation in the PLS program and his exploration of purpose through writing solidified his conviction that all investment possesses an inherent impact and can serve a transformative role in the world.
Post-PLS Endeavors: Sovereign’s Capital and “Crafting Your Purpose”
Since his graduation from the Presidential Leadership Scholars program, John Coleman has been deeply involved in two significant undertakings: his role at Sovereign’s Capital and the publication of his HBR Guide to Crafting Your Purpose. At Sovereign’s Capital, John Coleman is instrumental in investments that promote “human flourishing” and “love of neighbor.” This involves partnering with entrepreneurs, owners, and fund managers to cultivate positive organizational cultures that prioritize people. For John Coleman, this work is profoundly fulfilling, driven by a daily enthusiasm for the firm’s mission and the potential to expand its reach through innovative investment strategies and collaborations with more leaders and companies.
The HBR Guide to Crafting Your Purpose, John Coleman’s book, was significantly influenced by his experiences in the PLS program. It features insights from four remarkable women from his PLS cohort. John Coleman addresses the contemporary “crisis of purpose,” where widespread feelings of loneliness and aimlessness prevail. He argues that the pursuit of purpose is often hampered by misconceptions. John Coleman emphasizes that purpose is not found but actively built, and that individuals have daily opportunities to create more meaningful lives.
John Coleman highlights classmates like Julissa Carielo, a San Antonio entrepreneur who built a construction business and now empowers others through initiatives like Maestro Center. He also profiles Ezinne Uzo-Okoro, a NASA scientist now in space policy, and Lisa Hallett, who founded wear blue: run to remember after losing her husband, John, in Afghanistan. Additionally, John Coleman discusses Tynesia Boyea-Robinson, an impact space leader. John Coleman notes that the PLS program’s focus on well-rounded, purposeful lives, inspired by presidents and leaders, resonated deeply with him and his cohort.
Key Lessons from the Presidential Leadership Scholars Program
John Coleman reflects on the profound lessons learned during his time as a Presidential Leadership Scholar. He recalls writing articles on the leadership styles of presidents Lyndon B. Johnson (Lyndon B. Johnson’s Leadership), George H.W. Bush (Relational Leadership of George H.W. Bush), Bill Clinton (Communication Skills of Bill Clinton), and George W. Bush (Decision-Making of George W. Bush). However, the most enduring lesson for John Coleman was the paramount importance of family and relationships, particularly exemplified by George H.W. and Barbara Bush.
President George H.W. Bush’s defining trait, as observed by John Coleman, was his deep-seated desire to connect with and serve others. This was evident in the unwavering dedication of his staff and in his impactful relationships with global figures like Mikhail Gorbachev, which significantly influenced historical events. John Coleman emphasizes President Bush’s ability to foster a “family of service,” a sentiment echoed by Presidents Clinton and George W. Bush. In an era often characterized by abrasiveness, John Coleman found President Bush’s quiet, service-oriented leadership to be a powerful and inspiring model.
Integrating PLS Lessons into Daily Life and Future Advice
John Coleman acknowledges that implementing these profound lessons is an ongoing process. He emerged from the PLS program with a renewed commitment to a balanced life centered on family, friends, community, and service. The program and his connections with fellow PLS scholars have been instrumental in John Coleman’s career transition and writing endeavors, providing valuable perspectives on new opportunities for service. He is inspired by the impactful work of his peers in nonprofits, government, and people-focused businesses, and strives to incorporate these qualities into his own life and work.
For the incoming 2022 Scholars, John Coleman advises approaching the program with humility, curiosity, and a genuine commitment to understanding others. He underscores the program’s remarkable diversity and the unique leadership qualities of each participant. John Coleman suggests that simply focusing on learning from and connecting with these individuals would be an invaluable experience. He stresses the lasting nature of the relationships formed within the PLS community and encourages scholars to embrace respectful dialogue across diverse perspectives, highlighting the program as a unique platform for demonstrating unity and understanding amidst diversity.
