7 Questions on Leadership with Reg Lenney
Name: Reg Lenney
Title: Founder
Organisation: Rijooviness
Introducing Reg Lenney: Visionary Leader and Architect of Business Growth and Innovation
Reg Lenney is a distinguished figure in the realm of business leadership and development, renowned for his strategic acumen and visionary approach to creating sustainable revenue streams. With a career marked by transformative achievements, Reg has earned a reputation as a dynamic force in shaping business success on a global scale.
As a seasoned business strategist, Reg's expertise lies in identifying untapped market opportunities and pioneering innovative solutions that drive substantial growth. His approach to business development is characterized by a unique blend of creativity, analytical insight, and a deep understanding of global market dynamics. This combination has consistently led to the creation of lucrative revenue channels across various industries.
Reg's profound impact can be distilled into a single client's testimony:
"Retaining Reginald was the best thing I ever did. The cost of his service was earned back 100,000 fold. The consequences of trying to save a buck and not investing in myself is devastating not only to every aspect of my life but also to my family's life."
At the core of Reg's philosophy lies the belief that unlocking the full potential of the body and mind is the key to achieving greatness. He provides individuals and companies with the tools and strategies needed to harness the innate capabilities of their bodies and minds in the most powerful, efficient, and stress-free manner possible.
Reg's journey has led him to collaborate, train, support, and live alongside some of the world's most influential individuals and companies who prioritize their health and brand value above all else. These experiences have not only broadened his expertise but also validated the effectiveness of his methods across diverse lifestyles and age groups.
Reg has had the privilege of working with an illustrious clientele that includes Hollywood stars, corporate leaders, and even members of royal families. His exceptional skills have been sought after by top sports personalities, entertainment icons, and corporate luminaries. Susan Sarandon, Al Pacino, Pierce Brosnan, and Patrick Stewart are among the luminaries who have lauded Reg's contributions to their well-being.
In the corporate realm, Reg Lenney's collaborations have extended to prestigious organizations like Ernst & Young, Estée Lauder, Mary Kay, and Starwood Capital. His expertise has been instrumental in helping these brands enhance their offerings and elevate their value.
Reg was one of the first key innovators working alongside Starwood Capital to develop key strategies to expand the hospitality industry.
Reg’s passion for eliminating chronic issues, enhancing lives, and creating memorable and profitable experiences that excites his clients has taken him around the world. His love for humanity and sharing has driven him to create unique and powerful strategies and systems that continue to improve and enhance the wellness world and major international companies and brands.
One of Reg’s Super Powers is to custom design bespoke training programs, events and leadership strategies that are branded to the company’s identity. Reg Lenney’s key contribution and the collaboration between Starwood Capital and SH Hotels and Resorts led St Georges Hotel, Langham Place London, owned by the Cairn Group, to be transformed into the iconic Treehouse brand. A new innovative and witty brand that has brought a new ‘kind’ of hospitality to the hotel industry.
‘Partnering with an industry pioneer is an honour for us and aligns exceptionally well with our mindset of innovation and striving to raise the experience of our guests to new heights’ said a director at Cairn Group In his role as a leader and mentor, Reg has guided countless executives and entrepreneurs towards realizing their potential and achieving exceptional business outcomes. His leadership philosophy is centered on fostering a culture of excellence, resilience, and adaptability within organizations. By instilling these values, he has enabled businesses to thrive in competitive and ever-evolving marketplaces.
Reg's visionary leadership extends beyond conventional business practices. Recognizing the integral role of personal well-being in professional success, he has subtly woven wellness principles into his business strategies. This innovative approach has not only enhanced the performance and satisfaction of business leaders and teams but has also contributed to more holistic and sustainable business growth.
As the driving force behind Rijooviness, Reg has seamlessly integrated wellness into the corporate narrative, demonstrating how it can be a powerful tool in enhancing leadership effectiveness and business profitability. His initiatives in this domain have been instrumental in shifting the corporate mindset, showing how wellness and business success are inextricably linked.
An eloquent speaker and author, Reg's insights on leadership, business development, and the symbiotic relationship between wellness and professional success have influenced a broad spectrum of global leaders. His publications, including 'Be You!' and 'Be You Unleashed' serve as a testament to his innovative thinking and impactful strategies.
In essence, Reg Lenney is more than a business leader; he is a visionary who has redefined the landscape of business and people development, demonstrating how integrating wellness can be a game-changer in achieving unparalleled business success.
Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!
I hope Reg's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!
Cheers,
Jonno White
1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?
As a leader, the most challenging aspect is the feeling of isolation. It is difficult to find people who truly understand the vision and strategies. Moreover, sometimes people turn against you for the most unfathomable reasons.
Standing up for oneself, having confidence in one’s vision and intuition, and persevering through criticism, abuse, and belittlement can be a challenging but rewarding journey. It requires a strong sense of self and a willingness to trust one’s inner voice, even in the face of opposition.
Remember, with perseverance and self-belief, any obstacle can be overcome, and achieving goals becomes part of the natural flow. The satisfaction of seeing one’s ideas come to fruition despite the odds is a testament to one’s purpose in life. The purpose is not to acquire wealth or fame, but to create something that leaves a positive impact after we are gone.
2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?
From a young age, I have been a visionary and leadership has become second nature to me. I think outside the box, question everything, and keenly observe my surroundings. I am very sensitive to my environments, and the people I share my time and energy with. I am always open to seeking out opportunities for personal and business growth. I never follow the crowd or try to fit in, but always strive to help others. Self-reliance, self-sufficiency, love, passion, belief, purpose, and common sense have always been my natural tools for self-discovery and drive. Discovering the world around me and learning to navigate through life’s challenges has developed powerful skills within me, which serve as fuel to keep me going forward, no matter what.
3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?
It's interesting to think about this question as “structure," as it has rarely been a part of my life. It's tough to find your flow within an unnatural structure. As Bruce Lee once said, "Flow like water." However, I do believe that it's important to structure priorities and values. I have four “Living lists” to help me do this.
First, there's my "Have to" list. These are things that have to be done, no matter what. Like breathing, going to the toilet, and consistently moving my body and fueling it with what it needs to maintain high levels of mental and physical performance. Prioritizing my relationships, having fun, adding to my knowledge and skills, and getting enough sleep are also on this list. Ultimately, my life is all about me: my value, my worth, my short-term and long-term goals, enjoying myself and the time I have here, and always looking at how I can help more or be better. That's why these things must come first in my priority list.
The other three lists flow and change as needed. The second list is my "Need to" list. This includes tasks like filling the car up with gas or having a meeting. However, I only do these tasks if they support my top priorities at that moment. If not, I'll schedule them for another time. The third list is my "Want to" list. This includes things like helping a friend or learning a new skill. Finally, there's my "I would like to" list. This includes tasks like learning a new language or climbing a mountain.
Priorities are crucial in life, as they help navigate through the ever-changing lists of tasks. They play a significant role in determining whether one is constantly busy, coping with issues and ailments without achieving the desired lifestyle and goals, or successfully achieving goals and “living the life I love, in the body I love to live in”.
4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?
Over the years, my work with global leaders and professional athletes has taught me that being a leader is a crucial element of success and wellness. I strongly believe that everyone has the potential to be a leader, regardless of their position or level in life. Whether it’s a professional athlete, a corporate executive, a global leader, or a parent, it’s essential to lead in your own position, recognizing the importance of every position in a team or an individual sport.
Being a leader in both your personal and professional life can have a significant positive impact. It’s important to note that being a leader is not limited to a “Team Leader” position. It’s equally important to lead in your own position and contribute to the team’s success as a whole. Regardless of your role or position, always strive to do your best, enjoy the work you do, and remember that it’s only one aspect of your life. Embrace the ever-changing journey that is your life and make the most of it.
Leadership plays a crucial role in one’s life, one’s personality and way of being. I have learned that having well-defined goals is one of the most valuable lessons. If I do not lead my own life, I will never achieve my purpose, I will only help others achieve theirs. This explains many of the issues and ailments prevalent in today’s world.
5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?
While there are many influential books I could mention, three in particular have dramatically shaped my leadership in the last decade: 'The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma' by Bessel van der Kolk, and two books I authored - 'Be You!' and 'Be You Unleashed.'
Van der Kolk's book deepened my understanding of how trauma and stress are embodied, which has been crucial in empathetically leading diverse teams. As for my books, writing them was a transformative journey. They not only clarified my purpose and passions but also honed my skills and lifestyle in extraordinary ways. This process has significantly improved my leadership and mentorship abilities, enabling me to impact my team and clients more profoundly.
6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?
Be You Unleashed!
My advice would be to be yourself and let your true self shine through. If you find yourself in an environment that restricts you from being who you are, it's time to take action and make changes. This could mean distancing yourself from that environment or taking affirmative action. If you're often saying things like "I'm too busy," "I don't have enough time," or "I am sick, tired, or in pain," or if you're not achieving your goals and dreams, it's time to take a break and reflect. Instead of focusing on negative thoughts, prioritize yourself and concentrate on doing things that bring you joy and fulfillment so that you can live towards your goals. Enjoy being your best self and effectively lead others.
It's important to remember that “failure” is a result. People who are stressed, sick, depressed, overwhelmed, or have no time are often in such situations because they have chosen to live a life that does not match their true self. They often surround themselves with people who do not support their growth, well-being, and success. Therefore, the most difficult leadership lesson to learn is to be Bluntly Honest with yourself and those around you. Know that you are the only constant in your life. No matter how challenging it may be, this too will pass. Those who belong in your life will stay, while those who don't will fade away. Remembering this doesn't make a person "hard" or closed off to relationships and feelings. Instead, it ensures living in the now and enjoying it to the fullest, knowing that this too shall pass.
7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?
The Boxer!
Once, I knew a professional boxer who had a strong desire to become a world champion. He was fully dedicated and worked very hard every day towards his goal. He would spend endless hours in the gym, punching the bag, and he made sure to hire the best trainers, coaches, therapists, strategists, and mentors to help him succeed. He also made sure he was taking care of his physical and mental wellness, and mindset by limiting who he shared his time and energy with, eating the right foods for his body, and going to bed early every night.
Eventually, he got the opportunity to fight against the right opponent and won the championship. He was over the moon and his entire life changed immediately. He was invited to the best parties, groups, and clubs, he was interviewed on the best TV shows, surrounded by beautiful women, and made new friends, he even reconnected with relatives he never knew he had. But soon, he realized that living the life of a world champion was very different from dreaming about it. Many people who work hard to achieve their goals often end up losing everything, ending up worse off then before.
Therefore, my advice is to be clear about who you really are, what you really want, and what your ideal lifestyle is. Be true to yourself and stick to your values. Surround yourself with others who encourage and support all aspects of your success and failures. Listen to your intuition and keep your head up no matter what, the biggest “failures” in your life often become the best thing that happens for you.
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