Maximizing Leadership and Culture with Jonathan Schober:

Hello JP Family! Welcome back. Today we have an amazing guest to share with you. Jonathan Schober is a preacher’s kid from Austin, TX. He can trace his heritage back to Davy Crockett. He is the founder of Maximize Others, a resource to help corporate businesses implement culture, leadership, and possibilities into their business. Today he is going to share an adversity that no parent wants to ever face.

Jon has been married for over 20 years and has 7 children. Within a span of 5 years, they had 4 kids. The process at the doctor’s office was relatively routine to them at the point of having their fourth child. They had already had a few basic sonograms and were going in for the comprehensive sonogram, the one that looks at all the organs. They already knew about how long this process was to take but it was taking longer this time around. The doctor kept making noises that you don’t want your doctor to make while looking at your unborn child, “hmm”. After the doctor spoke with the nurses and the sonogram was over, he called Jon and his wife into his office. He explained that the heart normally has four chambers; he was only seeing two chambers. He wanted them to immediately make an appointment with a pediatric cardiologist for another sonogram. It would take a few days until they were able to go in for their appointment.

As anyone can imagine, this was a scary few days for the family. Jon describes the feeling when he first heard the news as being helpless. He is trying to be the strong husband and support his wife all while feeling totally helpless. The first thing they did once they left the appointment was to call his parents. Jon and his family believe in the power of prayer. He told his mom and dad what was going on and they all began to pray. When the time came for the appointment, they went in hoping for the best and fearing the worse.

When it was time for the sonogram, again the doctor and nurses were making the same noises you don’t want a doctor to make while looking at your unborn child. One of the nurses looked at Jon and his wife and said “why are you here?” Jon explained what had happened and why they needed the sonogram. She said “well your daughter’s heart is fine. See here is chamber number one, chamber number two, chamber number three, and chamber number four.” Their daughter was born with a healthy heart and has had no trouble with it since.

Jon says he has no idea if the first doctor made a mistake in looking at the sonogram or if it was a miracle but that he doesn’t care. What he does know is that it was real. His faith was tested during those few days. He knows that God always brings you through the hard times, whether he is carrying you or walking with you. Sometimes God will take you over the mountain and you come out the other side very relieved. But there are times when God takes you through the mountain and it is much harder. But you always come out the other side when you trust in him. They were praying for God to take them over that mountain and He did.

Your dark times will come to an end. There is the light of Christ at the end of your dark tunnel. Jon’s story is proof of that. This is not the only adversity that he has faced in his life. He has been fired from a job and laid off. After being laid off from a particular job, he began to really ask “Lord, what do you want to do with my life?” That led him to what he is doing now. He is helping businesses bring their work life and their spiritual life into alignment. He helps them maximize their potential and their spiritual calling. He believes that most people are called to ministry. And that isn’t ministry inside of a church but outside of the church. Jon has very high hopes for the future of this country and world. Businesses are starting to focus more of the culture and realizing that there is more to a person than the uniform they wear or the cubicle they work in. Many people have families and adversities of their own. This is allowing people to be more open and vulnerable. They are being accountable and seeing progress. Once people become transparent, they are able to heal and bring hope to others.

Everyone has a story, whether you have overcome adversity or are going through a hard time now. If you have already overcome an adversity, share your story. You story can bring hope to others. It is very easy for people to feel “this is just how my life is going to be.” Your story can bring them out of that thinking and into a world of hope.

If you are going through a tough time right now, keep moving. You will come out the other end. God has a plan for you. Everything you are experiencing, God will use. He does not waste an experience. Jon uses the example of Joseph in the Bible. He talks about the many trials Joseph faces. But he continues to keep his vision and dream in front of him. Then God blesses him and uses everything Joseph has learned throughout his troubles. God will do the same for you, for everyone. We all just have to continue to have faith and continue moving.

Jon leaves us with three things he would tell his 14/15 year old self.

1. Be a lot more intentional with life. God will give you glimpses of your passion, really focus on those.
2. Focus more on relationships. Connecting with people is very important. Take time for the relationships that come into your life.
3. Don’t give up!

We sincerely hope you enjoy today’s podcast with Jon Schober. There are a couple of ways to get into contact with him. You can visit his website at maximizeothers.com or email him at [email protected].

If you enjoy today’s show, please like, comment, and share with others. If you have a story to tell and don’t want to share on your own social media, share it with us. We can get your story out there to inspire and motivate others. Please continue to send in your questions and comments about the show. You can reach us via email, [email protected]. Until next time, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Stephen Scoggins The Journey Principles, and on Twitter, @stephen_scoggin. We look forward to spending some more time with you on the next Journey Principles!