Matthew Byrd sits down with author, speaker, and business coach John Klymshyn for an engaging conversation about the transformative power of language in business. John, who describes himself as "the jazz musician of the executive communication space," shares his journey from the Navy to sales to building a thriving coaching practice focused on helping people "inhabit clarity." The discussion explores how precise language and clear communication create competitive advantages across industries, and why John was drawn to the reality capture community despite having no prior knowledge of the technology. He reveals how attending R-CON opened his eyes to an industry that desperately needs help expressing where it's headed, noting that while some exhibitors were "wildly articulate," others struggled to explain their own offerings.
The conversation delves deep into practical business wisdom earned over nearly three decades of self-employment. John introduces powerful frameworks including his "10 Tasks Today" methodology for maintaining focus and productivity, the three-step business plan that distills strategy to its essence, and the critical distinction between motivation (which fades) and inspiration (which feeds). He challenges common entrepreneurial myths, explaining why most founders shouldn't be CEOs, why entrepreneurship isn't for everyone, and why the ability to move conversations forward matters infinitely more than pushing people over the fence. Throughout the episode, John emphasizes the irreplaceable value of human connection in an increasingly automated world, sharing why handwritten notes still matter, how consistency trumps intensity, and why fun must be foundational to company culture.
Matthew and John find common ground in their shared belief that community and authentic relationships drive lasting success. They discuss the five ways people show up to work each day, why money ranks fifth on the list of what truly motivates employees, and how leaders can create cultures where people feel genuinely connected to their work. John shares memorable stories from his career, including the pivotal question from publisher Devil Connie that led to multiple book deals, and the profound realization that "you will never find someone to work for you who will work like you." The episode concludes with John's powerful advice for anyone building something meaningful: Work like this is the last day you're going to be measured. Think like you have 20 years of that kind of work ahead of you.
00:00 Introduction and LinkedIn Connections
04:08 First Impressions of R-CON and the Reality Capture Industry
08:03 The Humanity Behind High Technology
10:13 What John Does: Inhabiting Clarity
16:28 The Jazz Musician of Executive Communication
23:37 How Do You Want to Spend Your Time?
27:13 John's Journey: Navy to Sales to Coaching
35:42 The Power of Precision Language
39:15 Learning to Listen as a Musician and Leader
45:20 Moving Conversations Forward vs. Pushing People Over the Fence
52:30 The Question That Changed Everything: Writing the Next Book
58:45 Opening the Valve: Creativity and Consistency
1:04:20 The Three-Step Business Plan
1:10:15 Is Entrepreneurship for Everyone?
1:14:30 Circles of Thought and Exponential Growth
1:20:45 Misaligned Expectations: Why Most Small Businesses Fail
1:27:00 10 Tasks Today: The Daily Productivity Framework
1:33:15 The Power of Handwritten Notes in an Automated World
1:39:30 Building Culture Through Fun and Connection
1:45:00 Motivation Fades, Inspiration Feeds
1:50:20 Final Wisdom: Work Like It's Your Last Day, Think Like You Have 20 Years
