LEADERSHIP MATTERS!

“Everything rises and falls on leadership,” a statement by Dr. John C. Maxwell, author and foremost leadership trainer, that has resonated deeply with John Barrett throughout his two-decade-long career in leadership coaching. Having been personally mentored by Maxwell, Barrett has devoted himself to guiding leaders across businesses and non-profit organizations both nationally and internationally.

However, his latest opportunities have drawn him closer to home, focusing on the local community where he has lived for the past sixteen years—Morgan County, Indiana. Here, Barrett is committed to equipping local leaders through comprehensive training and coaching, a mission that continues to inspire and motivate those who collaborate with him.

Over the past sixteen years, Barrett, along with his wife Erin and their four children, has rooted himself deeply in Morgan County. His involvement in the community is extensive; he serves as a board member of the Morgan County Leadership Academy (MCLA) and as an associate pastor at Hoosier Harvest Church in Martinsville. Although he has lived in various states across the country, his return to Indiana was driven by a strong desire to elevate the leadership success of local organizations, businesses, and individuals. “I have always loved living in rural communities,” Barrett shares. “There is so much potential here to bring in resources and opportunities for growth.”

AN ENTREPRENEURIAL BEGINNING

Barrett’s entrepreneurial spirit and leadership journey began at a young age when his family moved from Indianapolis to the picturesque setting of Brown County. “My father was an entrepreneurial business owner and a former pastor of a thriving church,” Barrett recalls. “Watching him, I learned the importance of stepping out with courage to pursue my dreams.” Even as a young elementary school student, Barrett demonstrated a keen eye for business opportunities. “During the busy month of October in Brown County, I noticed that local shop owners were too busy to take out their trash due to the influx of tourists. I saw an opportunity to solve their problem and, in turn, solve my own problem of wanting junk food from the gas station without any money to pay for it,” Barrett laughs. “So, I offered to take out their trash for twenty-five cents. It quickly became a successful venture, and I even brought a friend into the business as a partner. That experience was the first catalyst for my business career.”

This early venture was just the beginning of Barrett’s lifelong journey of seeking opportunities to solve problems for others. As he grew older, his passion for leadership and helping others succeed naturally evolved into a coaching career. “There is a leadership problem in too many organizations that stifles growth and ultimately holds people back from reaching their full potential,” Barrett says. “I want to change that by equipping leaders with the tools, insights, and strategies they need to unlock their potential and create environments where their teams can thrive. My goal is to empower leaders to break through barriers, foster innovation, and lead with purpose, ensuring real success for both individuals and organizations.”

JOINING A TEAM

Barrett’s journey as a leadership coach took a significant leap forward when he joined the John Maxwell Team at its inception. He was fortunate to be part of a small, select group of coaches who received an exhaustive year-long training program directly from Dr. Maxwell. This training was instrumental in launching Barrett as a top certified coach, speaker, and trainer, and he has since worked with Fortune 500 companies, non-profits, and business owners across the globe. “Being mentored by John Maxwell was an invaluable experience,” Barrett reflects. “It provided me with a solid foundation and a wealth of knowledge that I now pass on to the leaders I coach.”

As Barrett’s reputation and influence grew, so did his desire to make a more significant impact on his local community. After two decades of building a successful business with John Barrett Leadership, he recently partnered with Legacy Business Consultants to expand his reach even further. “One is too small a number to achieve significance. And I know that if you want to grow, you have to be willing to surround yourself with the right people,” Barrett explains. “In fact, we are only as good as the people we surround ourselves with. So, if you want to expand your opportunities, it’s going to take a team; you can’t do it alone.” This belief was a driving force behind Barrett’s decision to collaborate with Legacy Business Consultants, with the shared goal of building a thriving coaching business that significantly impacts the local community.