Tony Taylor is a Business leader, Motivational speaker and the Host of Leaders Lead The Podcast. He served as a US Marine, worked as Fire Captain with the Department of Defence, and as Corporate Executive. His leadership seminars mirror the many lessons Tony has garnered during his life’s endeavours. He teaches leading with compassion and obtaining set goals without compromising other people.
As a highly requested Keynote Speaker and leading authority on overcoming adversity and authentic leadership for audiences as large as 10,000. Tony inspires audiences to meet the challenges of the world around them. He highlights the importance of believing in yourself and surviving at all costs. In our interview with Tony, he talks about his upbringing and the reason he joined the US Marine.
Hello Tony. Thank you for participating in this Q&A session. We would like to explore your origin story, starting with your background. What was it like growing up as a teenager in Gary Indiana, and how did this impact your trajectory in life?
Tony: While growing up in Gary Indiana I had some really positive role models in my family. I was really close with them. My mom was, and is my rock! She worked really hard to raise me. My mom was a single parent but she had a lot of help from my sister, grandparents, aunties and uncles. While growing up in Gary Indiana crime was at an all time high. A lot of my friends were being arrested and some were killed. I followed that crowd but quickly realized that I wanted something different. I choose to join the United States Marines.
You served as a US Marine and as a Fire Fighter, with the Department of Defence. Where did this passion and desire to protect others come from?
Tony: I have always had a passion for helping people. I remember being a young kid and seeing people in need, wondering why no one was helping them. I vowed that once I was in the position to give aid, I would do so. I have spent, and will spend my entire life looking for those opportunities.
Why did you leave your career as a Fireman, to become a Motivational speaker?
Tony: I transitioned from my position working in the Fire department into a Safety Executive, and then a motivational speaker. I became a speaker because I realized that my voice was needed. The turning point for me was when I was giving a speech regarding employee empowerment. I had so many employees come to me to thank me. I remember thinking "I didn't do anything", I was just addressing their concerns. By doing so, I became part of the healing process.
There is no better feeling than serving the people.
Please give us an overview of the services offered by your company Tony Taylor Inspires LLC?
Tony: As a Certified Coach, Trainer and Speaker, I offer customized presentations to fit individual or team needs, and budget, such as:
• Keynote speech for your company sponsored event
• 10-minute briefing
• “Lunch and Learn”
• Half day and full day workshop/seminar
• In-house corporate training
• Executive and personal retreat
• Partnership Summit
I provide effective team communication and structure, that is important for forging relationships which equip my client's team with the proper attitudes to develop leaders within. We work through goal setting and communication exercises that will bring cohesion to the client's group. Ultimately increasing productivity due to the positive influences each member will have on the group as a whole. At the clients request, I can also incorporate their organization’s meeting theme, mission/vision statement or build on your existing training schedule to best fit the needs of your group.
You co-host a podcast called “Leaders Lead The Podcast”. What’s the origin story behind this podcast, and who is your target audience?
Tony: I am the sole host of Leaders Lead The Podcast. Leaders Lead is a broadcast/podcast. This is not your typical business/leadership podcast. This podcast is about the leader from within. What that means is that in order to lead others we must first lead ourselves. I talk to some of the best leaders across the world who have gone through some insurmountable odds. I bring on guest that I genuinely want to learn from.
Talk to us about your company “Unlimited Safety Solutions”. What is the value proposition and target market of this company?
Tony: Unlimited Safety Solutions is safety and leadership consulting firm. We help our partners with ensuring their employees are working in a safe environments. We perform jobsite audits, provide training and build safety/leadership programs. Our favourite program is Undercover Leader. We're hired by organizations to infiltrate their business to uncover issues that can be problematic to the company. We're not investigating the people but reaffirming the processes to empower the people. It's a really cool program.
How did you build a following of 32k on LinkedIn?
Tony: I love people so much, I connect with them. Each and every person in my network holds a special part in my heart. For years, I have poured into my network and they have poured into me. I have been blessed and fortunate to have them share my message. I don't look at them as followers but friends. That's the secret.
What process do you go through to ensure that the content you post is ethically considerate?
Tony: It's simple. The content that I post comes from my heart.
Before concluding this interview, what advice do you have for business leaders, on how to motivate ones self and overcome challenges?
Tony: As a business leader you must first love yourself. Find your happiness. Notice I didn't say anything about business acumen or management. You can't give what you don't have. You must have a servant spirit.
As a leader it is your job to serve the people and the people will serve your customers. If everyone feels heard then all obstacles can be overcome.
Thank you Tony for participating in this Q&A session, and we wish you all the best. Thank you for having me. It is such an honour!
