Leadership isn’t just about making decisions or directing teams—it’s about creating meaningful connections that inspire others to achieve their best. Few embody this principle as profoundly as R. Harrison Baxter, a transformational leadership expert celebrated for his pioneering work in reflective listening and the neuroscience of leadership. Through his unique approach, Baxter has empowered leaders across industries, fostering empathy, resilience, and high performance.

From Adversity to Advocacy: A Personal Journey

Baxter’s commitment to transformative leadership is deeply rooted in his own journey. Growing up in the Bronx during the 1970s and 1980s, he witnessed the devastating impacts of the crack epidemic, poverty, and systemic inequality. Many of his peers fell victim to addiction, violence, and limited opportunities, but Baxter’s resilience set him apart. He found strength and purpose through football, academics, and music—three outlets that instilled discipline, teamwork, and hope.

Mentorship played a pivotal role in his life, as Baxter encountered individuals who believed in his potential and guided him toward a brighter future. These experiences shaped his understanding of the power of empathy and reflective listening in transforming lives. Today, Baxter channels these lessons into his work, helping others rise above challenges and lead with purpose.

A Legacy of Empowerment

 Baxter’s professional journey is nothing short of remarkable. As the author of The Reflective Advantage, he explores how reflective listening—a practice of truly understanding others by hearing their needs and emotions—can unlock potential, drive innovation, and build stronger connections. This groundbreaking book has earned him international acclaim, including an Impact Award recognizing his ability to inspire change on a global scale.

As the Managing Director and Lead Trainer of Impactful Solutions Academy, Baxter works with Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and academic institutions. His training programs combine neuroscience-based strategies with actionable tools, enabling leaders to enhance emotional intelligence, communication, and team dynamics. Whether he’s coaching executives or mentoring young leaders, Baxter’s work is guided by one simple yet powerful belief: leadership is about empowering others to thrive.

The Power of Reflective Listening

At the heart of Baxter’s philosophy is the practice of reflective listening. This technique goes beyond hearing words; it involves understanding the speaker’s deeper needs, emotions, and perspectives. Reflective listening fosters trust, strengthens relationships, and enhances decision-making—skills that are vital for effective leadership.

Baxter’s emphasis on empathy is especially relevant in today’s fast-paced, results-driven world. In his workshops and keynotes, he teaches leaders how to pause, listen, and reflect, creating a culture of inclusivity and collaboration. These skills are not only transformative for individuals but also for organizations striving to build cohesive, high-performing teams.

Turning Failure into Strength

Baxter’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. While attending Duquesne University, he faced significant setbacks after contracting mononucleosis. Poor academic advice led him to take on an overwhelming course load while still recovering, resulting in failing grades and eventual dismissal. This experience left him feeling isolated and broken, but it also became a turning point.

Through resilience and self-reflection, Baxter rebuilt his academic career, earning both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. Today, he is pursuing a PhD in Performance Psychology. His experience taught him that failure is not an endpoint but a catalyst for growth. This perspective shapes his approach to leadership, inspiring others to view challenges as opportunities for transformation.

Building Bridges and Shaping Futures

Beyond his work in leadership development, Baxter has made a lasting impact through community initiatives. As the founder of The Bronx Rebels Football Club, he has provided countless young people with opportunities to grow through sportsmanship and leadership. The program emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and resilience, empowering participants to envision brighter futures.

Baxter’s influence extends to underserved communities, where he equips youth and marginalized groups with tools to break cycles of adversity. Through mentorship and reflective listening, he fosters resilience and leadership skills that not only transform individual lives but uplift entire communities.

The Next Chapter Ahead

Looking ahead, Baxter is committed to expanding his impact on a global scale. He plans to broaden access to his reflective leadership training programs, integrating cutting-edge neuroscience techniques to inspire leaders across industries. His upcoming projects include additional publications and the development of a global leadership institute focused on empathy, resilience, and social impact.

Baxter also envisions leveraging digital platforms like The Listen to Learn Suite to deliver high-quality leadership training to underserved populations. By harnessing technology, he aims to ensure that his teachings reach emerging leaders around the world.

Inspiring Change, One Leader at a Time

Harrison Baxter’s work is a testament to the power of empathy, resilience, and connection. From corporate boardrooms to grassroots organizations, he continues to inspire leaders to rise above challenges and create meaningful change. His journey, marked by personal adversity and professional triumph, serves as a powerful reminder that leadership is not about authority—it’s about empowering others to thrive.

Through reflective listening and neuroscience-based strategies, Baxter is revolutionizing the way leaders communicate, collaborate, and connect. His mission is clear: to leave a legacy of leaders who elevate those around them and make the world a better place. Whether he’s guiding a young athlete, coaching a corporate executive, or addressing a global audience, Baxter’s message is universal: with empathy and purpose, anyone can lead and transform lives in the process.

Connect with R. Harrison Baxter

• Website: www.thelistentoleadsuite.com
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rharrisonbaxter

Andrea C. McLean has spent a lifetime guiding others toward success. As a life, career, and executive coach, as well as an award-winning author, uplifting women is her mission. She’s helping them overcome challenges, build confidence, and take charge of their futures. With over 35 years of experience in the corporate world, she has witnessed firsthand the struggles many women face in advancing their careers. Through coaching, writing, and mentoring, she has created a space where women feel empowered to break barriers and thrive.

A Calling Rooted in Experience

Andrea’s journey into coaching wasn’t accidental—it was personal. Throughout her career, she saw talented women held back by self-doubt, lack of representation, and limited access to opportunities. She understood their struggles because she had faced them herself. Rather than accepting the status quo, she chose to be a part of the solution. Her coaching practice was born from the desire to equip women with the tools and strategies to succeed, regardless of the obstacles they faced.

The transition from a corporate leadership role to full-time coaching wasn’t without its challenges. Like many entrepreneurs, Andrea faced moments of uncertainty and questioned whether she could truly make the impact she envisioned. But her faith, integrity, and resilience kept her grounded. By leaning on her mentors and embracing the very mindset shifts she teaches her clients, she turned her vision into reality.

Creating a Lasting Impact

What sets Andrea apart is her deeply personal and tailored approach to coaching. She understands that success isn’t one-size-fits-all. Instead of applying generic solutions, she helps women embrace their unique strengths, develop confidence, and create strategies that align with their personal and professional goals. Her work isn’t just about securing promotions or career transitions—it’s about uplifting women to own their voices, take up space, and lead with purpose.

Beyond one-on-one coaching, Andrea has expanded her impact through online courses, workshops, and writing. Her book Decide to Be Your Future Self won the 2024 Storytrade Award in the Motivational/Self-Help category, further solidifying her place as a thought leader in personal and professional development. She continues to reach a broader audience by developing accessible programs that address leadership, confidence, and resilience.

The Power of Collaboration and Community

Andrea firmly believes that success isn’t achieved in isolation. Collaboration has been a cornerstone of her journey, both in her personal growth and in her work with clients. By partnering with organizations, employee resource groups, and other industry leaders, she has been able to develop programs that foster professional advancement and inclusivity for women. She sees collaboration as an essential tool in building supportive environments where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued.

Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of Andrea’s mission. She knows that women—particularly women from underrepresented backgrounds—often face systemic challenges in the workplace. Her work goes beyond traditional career coaching; she helps women navigate cultural biases, challenge limiting beliefs, and cultivate the confidence to advocate for themselves. Her goal is to help create a workforce where all women have the opportunity to thrive.

Living by Core Values

Throughout her career and business journey, Andrea has remained committed to five core values: integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, and building relationships. These principles shape every decision she makes, from how she engages with clients to how she runs her business. By staying true to these values, she ensures that her work is not only impactful but also deeply meaningful.

Her biggest influence? Her late mother, who instilled in her the belief that she could achieve anything with hard work, perseverance, and faith. That unwavering support and encouragement shaped the foundation of Andrea’s approach to coaching. She now passes that same encouragement on to the women she works with, helping them see their potential and take ownership of their futures.

The Next Chapter

Andrea’s work is far from finished. She is focused on expanding her reach, developing more resources, and creating new opportunities for women to grow. She plans to launch additional online courses, write more books, and continue working with organizations to drive meaningful change in professional spaces.

Her legacy is one of empowerment and transformation. She envisions a world where the women she coaches, the readers of her books, and the participants in her programs are not only thriving but also inspiring others to do the same. Andrea C. McLean is proof that when women are given the tools to succeed, they can reshape their careers, their lives, and the world around them.

About Andrea

Andrea C. McLean is a board-certified life, career, and executive coach, as well as an award-winning author. Her latest book, ‘Decide to Be Your Future Self,’ won the 2024 Storytrade Award in the Motivational/Self-Help Category. Andrea’s coaching philosophy rejects cookie-cutter approaches, emphasizing individual strengths and authentic living. She helps clients navigate cultural integration, maintaining their sense of self. Andrea believes true success lies in self-acceptance and leveraging personal gifts to impact the world positively. She encourages clients to shed limiting beliefs and external expectations, fostering clarity of vision and embracing change for fulfilling lives and careers.

Get your FREE Copy of the Unlocking Your Inner Power: A Woman’s Guide to Career Confidence: https://acmcoachinggroup.thinkific.com/courses/UnlockingYourInnerPower

Connect with Andrea

• Website: https://www.andreacmclean.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreacmclean/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andreacmcleanauthor/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_cXSgTmCNxMtLMU6U_Crdg
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreacmclean/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andreacmclean?lang=en

Dōmo Jones is a shining example of resilience, determination, and inspiration. Her journey is not just a personal triumph but a beacon of hope for countless individuals navigating life with disabilities. Through challenges that would test the strongest spirits, she has emerged as a leader, motivator, and changemaker.

Diagnosed with a condition that requires the use of a walker and leg braces, Dōmo’s journey has been anything but easy. After undergoing two brain surgeries, six years of chemotherapy, and five weeks of radiation, she refused to let her circumstances define her. Instead, she transformed her struggles into stepping stones, building a life and career that defies societal expectations. Her mission is clear: to break the stigma surrounding disabilities and show others that limitations do not equate to impossibilities.

From Adversity to Advocacy
Dōmo’s story is rooted in a desire to dismantle the narrative that disabilities limit one’s potential. “We’re often seen as incapable because of our physical or mental limitations,” she shares. “But I wanted to prove that not only can we achieve our goals, but we can also excel beyond expectations.”

This drive led her to become a Master Certified Disability Confidence Coach, a five-time self-published author, and the founder of multiple businesses. In 2021, she launched One Billion Brave, the first disability-focused talk show hosted by someone with a disability. Through this platform, she amplifies voices often overlooked, creating a space for honest conversations about overcoming challenges and embracing possibilities.

Redefining Success
For Dōmo Jones, success isn’t about being a superwoman—it’s about knowing when to pause. “The hardest challenge for me is when my body randomly shuts down, and there’s nothing I can do about it,” she shares. “It’s a tough reminder that while I strive for independence, I have to accept that I can’t do everything.”

This realization led her to redefine her approach to life and success. “I learned that trying to keep up with everything and everyone only hinders me in the long run,” Dōmo says. “Resting isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a way to recharge.”

By prioritizing rest and self-care, she ensures she can give her best energy to what truly matters. “They say, ‘Don’t keep up with the Joneses,’ but I am a Jones, and I need to keep up with myself,” she says. “Taking time to rest and reset isn’t about falling behind—it’s about making sure I have the strength to come back stronger.”

Dōmo’s story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t a race against time or others. “When I take the time to recoup, I’m able to pour my energy into accomplishing what I started,” she emphasizes. “It’s about working smarter, not harder, and taking care of yourself along the way.”

Turning Passion into Purpose
Dōmo’s work is deeply rooted in passion. She advises others entering her field to ensure they genuinely love what they do. “When you’re passionate, even the hardest days are worth it,” she says. “That passion is what fuels you to keep going, even when the journey gets tough.”

Her business, KnuYou Services, helps new small businesses establish their brands, drawing from her experiences and insights. Dōmo’s unique approach ensures her clients receive tailored support, enabling them to stand out in competitive markets.

Creating a Platform for Change
What sets Dōmo apart is her ability to connect with her audience authentically. On One Billion Brave, she forgoes pre-interview questions, choosing instead to meet her guests just minutes before the show begins. This approach fosters genuine, unscripted conversations, allowing her and her audience to experience the stories in real-time.

“Many of my guests have never shared their stories before,” Dōmo explains. “Knowing that I’ve created a space where they feel seen and heard is the most fulfilling part of my work. It’s about more than just interviews—it’s about building community and celebrating resilience.”

A Vision for the Future
Dōmo’s dreams are as ambitious as they are inspiring. She envisions her talk show going mainstream, providing an even larger platform to discuss the realities of living with disabilities. “There aren’t many hosts with disabilities interviewing guests who share similar experiences,” she notes. “I want to change that and show the world that our stories matter.”

Her message is simple yet powerful: life doesn’t end with a diagnosis or limitation. Instead, it’s an opportunity to rewrite the narrative, focusing on abilities rather than restrictions.

Words of Wisdom
For those starting in similar fields, Dōmo’s advice is clear: research and preparation are key. “You need to understand every aspect of what you’re doing,” she says. “Never rely solely on others to bring your vision to life. Be hands-on and knowledgeable so you can adapt when challenges arise.”

Her commitment to empowering others shines through in every aspect of her work. Whether through coaching, writing, or her talk show, Dōmo is a living testament to the power of determination and self-belief.

A Legacy of Empowerment
Dōmo Jones has turned her personal journey into a mission to uplift and inspire. Her work reminds us all that our value is not diminished by our limitations. Instead, it’s amplified by our ability to rise above them.

Through her advocacy, entrepreneurship, and relentless optimism, Dōmo is breaking barriers and challenging perceptions. Her story is a call to action for everyone—disabled or not—to embrace their potential and live boldly.

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About Dōmo Jones:

Dōmo Jones, a disability advocate, uses a walker and leg braces for mobility. After enduring surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation, she turned her journey into inspiration, proving that disabilities don’t define limitations.

As a Master Certified Disability Confidence Coach, 5x self-published author, business owner, and host of One Billion Brave, a talk show highlighting stories of individuals with disabilities, Dōmo is breaking barriers and changing narratives.

Her unwavering determination drives her to connect with others, offering encouragement to rediscover their purpose and reminding them that anything is possible.

Connect with Dōmo Jones:

• Website: https://thedomojones.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/iamdomojones
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/domo.jones1