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Life, Career, and Leadership Reflections
What does success look like for you now?
Explore practical questions about changing careers, leading others, making decisions, and taking action toward what matters to you. These reflections draw on my experience in medical devices, healthcare, leadership, and coaching—and on what life continues to teach me.
John Carnes | SPRKcoaching | Missoula, Montana
Cancer, Clarity, and Why I Coach the Way I Do
John Carnes reflects on cancer, self-advocacy, support, and the practical choices that shape his approach to life, career, and leadership coaching.
John Carnes
Jan 63 min read
LinkedIn Is Dead: The White Collar-Revolution Is Here
Twenty-one years. That's how long I've watched LinkedIn evolve - or perhaps more accurately, devolve. But it wasn't until listening to...
John Carnes
Feb 3, 20257 min read
When Doing the Right Thing Comes at a Cost—And Why It’s Still Worth It
In life and business, we often face moments that force us to choose between what’s easy and what’s right. These decisions can feel risky...
John Carnes
Jan 14, 20255 min read
How to Stop Putting Off a Career or Life Change
Putting off a career or life change? John Carnes shares practical questions to clarify what is holding you back and choose a manageable next step.
John Carnes
Jan 13, 20252 min read
Welcome to 2025: Will Regret Follow You This Year?
Think about it—would we even be here today if our ancestors hadn’t taken action? Some Neanderthal sitting in a cold, fireless cave could...
John Carnes
Jan 11, 20252 min read
The 5% Illusion: Transforming How We See and Are Seen
My father died two weeks ago today, and I discovered that 95% of what I believed about him was wrong. This isn't a metaphor or an...
John Carnes
Dec 1, 20245 min read
2025: Your Next Move Predicts Your Next Year - In Every Area of Life
When was the last time ignoring a challenge made it smaller? Here's a truth that might make you uncomfortable: How you handle challenges...
John Carnes
Nov 27, 20244 min read
Breaking Through: When Excellence Requires More Than Data and Determination
"Sometimes the most powerful breakthroughs in professional development come when we look beyond metrics for guidance." What defines true...
John Carnes
Nov 17, 20244 min read
When You Feel Stuck as a Leader: How Coaching Can Help
Feeling stuck as a leader? John Carnes reflects on his medical-device career and offers practical questions for clearer decisions, feedback, and action.
John Carnes
Nov 3, 20242 min read
Job Scams Are Stealing Dreams and Crushing Hopes: Protect Yourself Now!
In my years as a Life and Executive Coach working with clients who are focusing on their professional advancements, I've witnessed the...
John Carnes
Jul 10, 20246 min read
Mastering the Art of Instant Influence: A Comprehensive Guide to Transforming Your Life and Relationships
Introduction: In Michael V. Pantalon's groundbreaking book, "Instant Influence," readers are introduced to a powerful framework and...
John Carnes
Jul 2, 20247 min read
Reclaiming Your Identity: How Coaching Helps You Prioritize Purpose in the Corporate World
Did you know that if you work a typical 8-hour day and have a 16-hour waking day, you spend 50% of your waking hours at work during the...
John Carnes
May 30, 20243 min read
Making Change Stick: The Critical Role of Reinforcement in Coaching Outcomes
Change is a journey, not a destination. While taking the first step towards transformation is undoubtedly crucial, the real challenge...
John Carnes
May 23, 20243 min read
Strategic Steps: Crafting a Change Plan That Works With Coaching Insights
When it comes to achieving your goals and creating lasting change, having a well-crafted plan is essential. As the renowned author and...
John Carnes
May 19, 20243 min read
Quick Wins: Harnessing the Two-Minute Motivator for Rapid Personal Change
Let's face it, life doesn't seem to be slowing down, and in today's fast-paced world, change is not just inevitable; it's a constant. As...
John Carnes
May 16, 20243 min read
Empowering Change: How Positive Feedback in Coaching Accelerates Personal Growth
Picture this: you've been working tirelessly on a project, pouring your heart and soul into every detail. You submit your work, eagerly...
John Carnes
May 16, 20243 min read
The Art of Listening: How Coaching Unearths Hidden Motives for Breakthrough Results
In our fast-paced, noise-filled world, true listening has become a rare and precious skill. We often hear the words people say, but how...
John Carnes
May 16, 20243 min read
Envisioning Success: How Coaching Helps You Scale Up Your Life Goals
Imagine waking up tomorrow to find that your biggest dream has become a reality. How would you feel? What would your life look like? This...
John Carnes
May 16, 20243 min read
Unlocking Your True Potential: How Intrinsic Motivation and Autonomy Fuel Personal Growth
Have you ever found yourself struggling to make a change or reach a goal, despite your best efforts? You're not alone. Many of us have...
John Carnes
May 16, 20243 min read
Coaching: Illuminating the Path to Personal and Professional Growth
Navigating the complex terrain of a professional career can feel like traversing an uncharted forest. Daily challenges and immediate...
John Carnes
May 13, 20245 min read
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