Exploring Life & Business with Jamal Maxsam of Lead Like A Champion

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamal Maxsam

Hi Jamal, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey started as a teenager when I received my first leadership role managing a fast-food restaurant, leading my peers as well as adults. After graduating from college with a degree in Business Management, I began working for a marketing company. While I enjoyed the position, I knew my skills were underutilized and I did not feel as if I was fulfilling my purposes and destiny.

After a short career detour, I returned to school to obtain my teaching license. After securing my teaching license I taught K-8 Technology for several years, then shifted to the school-wide testing coordinator and served as a team leader. As I continued to accept the responsibilities of leadership, I knew to increase my impact I needed to be in the rooms where decisions were made. I returned to school and obtained a principal license. After earning my principal license, I served as a school Principal for several years in charter as well as traditional public schools, earning a reputation for turning around struggling schools.

My final year in education was the year of the pandemic. As a person of prayer and faith I believe it is essential to hear and follow God’s voice. In prayer the thought came to me to begin working on my business. I had the concept, a website, but didn’t engage in business. At the time my focus was on being the best school leader I could be. I enjoyed leading schools. That year, I was serving as a district level administrator assisting the high school principal in turning around the school. Halfway through the school year, I was informed the position would be cut due to financial challenges within the district. None of the districts in the area were hiring.

My plan was to serve as a school administrator until the business generated enough revenue to replace my salary. That plan did not work out. I had no other choice than to take a leap of faith. I attended a business conference in L.A., days prior to the shut down due to the pandemic. The person who would later become my business coach was hosting the conference. Between sessions, I had a conversation with her where I explained the situation and the concerns that I had. I shared how I was concerned about taking care of my family while launching a business. She looked me in the eye and said “Jamal, how do you know that starting your business is not the way you are supposed to take care of your family?” I moved forward in launching what is now called, Lead Like A Champion.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey has not been smooth. I went through multiple iterations of my offers and had to determine who I was to serve and how. I learned just because I can serve a group of people does not mean I am supposed to. I may be good at something that can enhance my business, that does not mean it is to be the main offer.

Also, I had to discover and embrace my own business identity. The consulting and coaching industry is saturated with coaches with frameworks that worked for them. I went through a period of changing what I was doing because an expert said it should be done a certain way. I questioned everything I did, wondering if it was “right”. It took time for me to realize their methods, while good, may not work for me. I learned in order to be successful I had to silence the noise.

Once I did that I was able to focus on my unique way of reaching those I serve. It takes wisdom to balance the necessity of being a learner for continuous growth, with knowing when to stop listening to others and allow your faith to guide you.

We’ve been impressed with Lead Like A Champion, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Lead Like A Champion we focus on developing servant leaders. The world is facing a leadership crisis. There is a need for strong, servant leaders that are capable of guiding people through challenges. Many challenges that organizations face are unique, without a frame of reference. While learning leadership principles and theories are good, unique application is what brings results.

This is what we specialize in at Lead Like A Champion. Through our development offerings our clients learn how to apply the principles of servant leadership and lead change.

We work with educational leaders, church, and Christian business leaders. With Christian business leaders we also teach how to live their faith through their leadership. Christian business owners have the unique privilege of allowing those they serve to experience God’s love through them.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
In business, networking is important. Many believe networking is for the purpose of finding clients or generating business. While this is one of the benefits. Networking is more about being part of a community and making it known how you can serve people in that community. While networking, it’s important to avoid trying to position yourself. Recognize the connections you need to make will be made if you genuinely focus on connecting with others. Also, do not be intimidated by someone who may be further along than you. You belong in the room. This is the approach I take while at conferences and other events.

When finding a mentor look for someone who has already achieved the results you desire to have. You can determine this by watching them over time. Many mentors claim to have a result and can appear to have the results through great branding on social media. The truth is revealed in time. Also, do not give in to pressure of joining a mentorship program because of a promotion ending. While taking action is important, if you are pressured into the decision you will not get the most from the experience.

Your potential mentor must align with your values and beliefs. If you are not in alignment the relationship will not be beneficial for you. Be sure not to confuse a lifelong mentor with what I call a next level guide. A next level guide is an individual that will teach, guide, and possibly mentor you for a specific time period. A lifelong mentor is someone who will mentor you throughout your life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jamalmaxsam.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamalmaxsam
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jmaxsam
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jamalmaxsam