Tony Taylor Inspires 24/7

by Kathryn Millhorn

Inspiration is a powerful, vital, creative force. But it means something unique to everyone and inspiring youth or your work team can be difficult. Locally, Tony Taylor provides leadership seminars, workshops, training, coaching and team-focused events through individual or group settings. A former Marine, Taylor has worked as a fire captain, corporate executive and even with the Department of Defense. He shares experience from the heart to inspire and lead with compassion.

Tony Taylor Inspires is the speaking arm of Taylor’s work. He works with audiences up to 10,000 on such topics as leadership, overcoming adversity, self-development and student and staff resiliency. “My coaching involves the ability to understand you: to think how you think and understand your perspective,” he explains. “From this benchmark, I will place another perspective on top of yours—stretching and growing you to gently see a more empowering way. As a certified John Maxwell coach, I can see what you are going through now and what is up ahead. Coaching is foreseeing, paving the way, coming alongside you while helping you achieve goals and overcome limiting paradigms.”

Listeners truly appreciate his style and delivery. “Tony Taylor, as an effective motivational speaker, anticipates the needs of his audience, and delivers his powerful presentation with empathy, humor, transparency and seemingly endless energy,” says attendee Laurel Youngstrom. “He uses creative and unconventional methods to keep their attention and gets his point across with finesse, leaving his listeners wanting more, and ready to take on the world!”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, at the advice of friends and colleagues, Taylor began a new socially distanced outlet: Leaders Lead, The Podcast. There he interviews industry experts and hardworking professionals about what it takes to survive, grow and succeed in today’s ever-changing world.

“Leaders Lead began with me wanting to interview people that inspire me,” says Taylor. “It quickly became an opportunity to learn how my guests have overcome their greatest challenges both professionally and personally. Our show has become a source of joy for so many people. We not only offer them hope but tangible solutions to fulfill their purpose.”

“The podcast is an extension of the work we do in our lives, our companies and in the community,” continues Taylor. “On the podcast, I talk to leaders who have overcome insurmountable odds to get to where they are today. This is not your typical boring business podcast. We have a good time together and share personal stories that will often leave myself, the guest and viewers in tears. Every day, our guest list and viewership have continued to grow well beyond anything we could have ever anticipated.”

Sharing knowledge through this intimate, interactive format took off immediately. “Since its inception the podcast has exploded into its own entity,” says Taylor. “We had no idea the show would have got as big as it has. It’s been such an amazing journey. The added bonus is that my wife and I are able to work together full time to grow our companies. We’re truly grateful to be able to do what we love! My wife handles the business, and of course I can’t stop talking. We make a really good team.”

Parents of four children, ages 25, 19, 13, and 10, wife Jenny is excited that they can work side by side in a region they’re now proud to call home. “Our family loves living in this area,” admits Jenny. “We moved to Indiana but after three years we moved back. We really enjoy the beauty of the South Puget Sound. We enjoy riding bikes, going on hikes and the people are fantastic! I guess we are permanent Washingtonians.”

Though he’s been a professional speaker for many years, Taylor’s been surprised by the podcast’s ability to get to the heart of things and keep conversations very real. “The biggest surprise is how forthright my guests are about their life experiences,” he says. “Last month, I interviewed Stephynie Malik who is an award-winning CEO. She is very well respected in her industry. She talked about a time where she went to a fancy restaurant that had a water bowl that you’re supposed to wash your hands in. While sitting with her new colleagues, she drank the water that was in it. We have the absolute best guests!”

While both Taylors admit that starting a business is difficult, they stress that the struggle pays off in time. “A new business is a new business. It’s hard work,” agrees Tony. “Owning your own business takes dedication. If you’re passionate about what you do, then it is all worth it.” But in their case, says Jenny, “we see growth and gratitude moving forward serving our clients and loyal listeners! We’re currently taking applications for potential local sponsors of the show.”

You can currently stream season one episodes of the podcast or follow Tony on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Want to book his varied services for your next meeting, training or event? Reach out online, call 253.267.3444 or email info@TonyTaylorInspires.com.

Businessman Nolan Bushnell once said that “Everyone who’s ever taken a shower has an idea. It’s the person who gets out of the shower, dries off and does something about it who makes a difference.” At Tony Taylor Inspires, they’ve done more than just start a business. Together, Tony and Jenny work to make a difference by sharing, teaching and uniting people worldwide. And that’s a true inspiration to us all.