# Ron Kitchens


## Posts

- [The Hard Work of Leadership](https://ronkitchens.com/the-hard-work-of-leadership/): When I was in high school, I worked for a dairy farmer who needed to transition one of his fields from row crops to grass. All winter, we plowed to clear the remnants of the previous crop, what had been good for a season but was no longer what the land needed for the future. We tilled the soil, planted alfalfa seed, fertilized (and if you have ever been on a dairy farm, you know there is plenty of fertilizer), sprayed herbicide to protect against weeds, and prayed for rain, because there is only so much a person can do. […]
- [The Quiet Power of Kindness](https://ronkitchens.com/the-quiet-power-of-kindness/): America feels raw right now. The assassination of a man because of his words. Another school shooting, on the very same day. These moments remind us of how fragile our lives, our civility, and our communities truly are. We’re weary. We’re anxious. And whether we admit it or not, we all need a break. That’s why kindness matters more than ever. Not as a platitude, but as a practice. In a world that rewards shouting, kindness whispers and still changes the room. It’s the reminder that every single person we meet is carrying a story that may be heavier than […]
- [Communities Thrive on Shared Values](https://ronkitchens.com/communities-thrive-on-shared-values/): “…We wept and prayed” is a line from It’s a Wonderful Life that describes the collective reaction of a community in a moment of loss. That phrase has always struck me. Tears and prayers are not just private acts, they are a holy reminder of what happens when people come together, shoulder to shoulder, and seek guidance and healing. The truth is, most of us share more in common than we sometimes realize. Of the world’s 7.3 billion people, 77 percent — about 5.6 billion — follow one of the six major religions. And when you line them up, the […]
- [A Failure to Communicate](https://ronkitchens.com/a-failure-to-communicate/): I never set out to be a fan of Walt Whitman, but somewhere along the way, he captured me, and not just because he was the first poet I ever read who wrote about baseball. What drew me in was his persistence. For years, Whitman struggled to find anyone who cared about his poetry. Then came a letter. “Dear Sir, I am not blind to the worth of the wonderful gift of Leaves of Grass. I find it the most extraordinary piece of wit and wisdom America has yet contributed. I greet you at the beginning of a great career.” […]
- [Celebrate Life as a Legacy Leader](https://ronkitchens.com/celebrate-life-as-a-legacy-leader/): I never set out to be a fan of Walt Whitman, but somewhere along the way, he captured me, and not just because he was the first poet I ever read who wrote about baseball. What drew me in was his persistence. For years, Whitman struggled to find anyone who cared about his poetry. Then came a letter. “Dear Sir, I am not blind to the worth of the wonderful gift of Leaves of Grass. I find it the most extraordinary piece of wit and wisdom America has yet contributed. I greet you at the beginning of a great career.” […]
- [Who Do You Know?](https://ronkitchens.com/who-do-you-know/): John Maxwell’s question — “Who do you know that I should know, and will you introduce me?”, is one of the most powerful tools a leader can use. On the surface, it sounds simple. But in practice, it’s a game-changer for communities that want to grow, businesses that want to thrive, and leaders who want to make a real impact. The truth is, progress never happens in a vacuum. Every breakthrough, every bold idea, and every opportunity comes through relationships. Our biggest wins rarely come from cold calls or chance encounters. They come through trusted connections — the introductions that […]
- [Who Are You Learning From?](https://ronkitchens.com/who-are-you-learning-from/): t was the middle of a scorching Missouri summer, in between two-a-day football practices, when Coach Paul Skeans called me into his office. He shut the door, handed me a book, I Believe by then Baylor Coach Grant Teaff and said, “I just heard him speak. You need to read this.” He wasn’t just giving me a book. He was giving me a challenge. A challenge to lead, to grow, and to understand that raw talent only takes you so far. Without leadership, it doesn’t matter. That moment stuck. Since then, I’ve read more than a thousand books on leadership. […]
- [What Will It Take To Grow?](https://ronkitchens.com/what-will-it-take-to-grow/): Fast Company, in partnership with LinkedIn, just published truly clarifying data on why people select where they live. As you will see from the chart below, the normally assumed number one factor of jobs is number 5 on the list.  It seems that in today’s market for the talented residents to select a community, quality of life features are the key factors. The data is clear, if a community expects to grow, they must be clean, safe and have diverse and affordable housing with great shopping, before they can expect those who have a true chose to select them as […]
- [The Power of Showing Up](https://ronkitchens.com/the-power-of-showing-up/): A mentor once told me something that stuck: “Half of success is just showing up. The other half is showing up with purpose.” Translation? Don’t just drag yourself to the meeting — bring your brain, your heart, and maybe even an extra cup of coffee. In leadership and community building, showing up isn’t about logging hours or checking boxes. It’s about being present where lives are shaped — in boardrooms and break rooms, classrooms and council chambers. It’s about listening with humility, speaking with courage, and sometimes biting your tongue when the conversation goes sideways. Over the years, I’ve worked […]
- [Always Forward: The Power of Gratitude](https://ronkitchens.com/always-forward-the-power-of-gratitude/): As the year draws to a close, I have a tradition that keeps me grounded: I take the quiet weeks of the Christmas season to pause, reflect, and say two simple words that carry extraordinary weight—Thank You. This practice is not just about politeness; it’s about intentional gratitude. I carve out time to look back at the blessings I’ve received throughout the year and write thank-you notes to the people who made them possible. These notes are personal and specific, honoring the kindness, mentorship, or encouragement that left a mark on my life. But my gratitude does not stop there. […]
- [The Power of “I Believe in You”](https://ronkitchens.com/the-power-of-i-believe-in-you/): “I believe in you.” Four words. Simple, ordinary even. But in the vocabulary of a leader, they may be the most powerful words you can speak. When said with sincerity, those words are like Miracle-Gro for people and organizations. They don’t just affirm someone’s current abilities, they plant the seed of who that person can become. They give permission to step into new challenges, to take risks, to see potential in themselves that they may not yet see. And here’s the thing: speaking belief costs us almost nothing. It requires no budget approval, no strategic plan, no outside consultant. But […]
- [The First Day of School – A Fresh Start for All of Us](https://ronkitchens.com/the-first-day-of-school-a-fresh-start-for-all-of-us/): The first day of school is more than just an exciting milestone for children and their families, it’s one of the most important days of the year for our entire community. New shoes squeak on polished floors, backpacks are filled with sharpened pencils and big dreams, and the air hums with both excitement and a little nervous energy. It’s also a moment that reminds us how deeply the success of our children is tied to the success of our community. A Harvard University study found that the number one predictor of a child escaping poverty is that they see someone […]
- [Planting for the Future We Deserve](https://ronkitchens.com/planting-for-the-future-we-deserve/): Trees don’t grow to the sky. They have a natural life cycle. If we want a forest to thrive for generations, we must continually plant new trees to grow under the canopy and eventually take the place of the aging ones. That truth holds a lesson for every community in America. No city can rely on yesterday’s canopy to protect it from tomorrow’s storms. The industries, civic structures, and cultural landmarks that once defined us are aging. Honoring them is right. But preserving them without planting what comes next is a guarantee of decline. Thriving communities don’t wait until the […]
- [Olympic Reflections: A Journey of Pride, Faith, and Unity](https://ronkitchens.com/olympic-reflections-a-journey-of-pride-faith-and-unity/): I must be honest, I was captivated by the Paris Olympics. But it wasn’t the glitz of the opening boat parade or the sports that I have never heard of that drew me in. What truly moved me were the stories of incredible athletes whose names I might never have known if not for their Olympic moments. I felt a deep sense of pride watching the USA Women’s Rugby team. Their relentless spirit, their refusal to give up, reminded me of the strength that lies within all of us. And then, there was the thrill of seeing our own Taliah […]
- [October 2, 445 BC — The Wall Was Completed](https://ronkitchens.com/october-2-445-bc-the-wall-was-completed/): Every year on October 2nd, my team and I pause to remember the story of Nehemiah. It’s not just an ancient account of walls and ruins; it’s a timeless lesson in what real leadership looks like. Nehemiah was living comfortably as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes in Persia. By every measure, he had a good life. Yet when he heard that the walls of Jerusalem were in ruins and its people were suffering, he couldn’t ignore it. He was heartbroken. Disturbed. But what sets Nehemiah apart is this: he didn’t stop at feeling bad. He decided to act. How often do […]
- [Lagniappe](https://ronkitchens.com/lagniappe/): I realize Mardi Gras isn’t one of the “big three” holidays. It doesn’t get the same cultural weight as Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. But truth be told, it’s one of my favorite times of the year. And yes, part of that is the food. My king cake comes straight from Randazzo’s in New Orleans. I tinker with new gumbo recipes, even though I always end up circling back to the one our family has been cooking for twenty years. And of course, a fresh bottle of Crystal hot sauce is already waiting in the pantry for the big day. But […]
- [In the Room Where It Happens: The Power of Gathering](https://ronkitchens.com/in-the-room-where-it-happens-the-power-of-gathering/): There’s something almost magical that happens when leaders gather. It’s not just a meeting. It’s not just another conference. It’s the collision of wisdom, experience, and passion and when that happens, sparks fly. Ideas take root. Change gets ignited. The best leaders I’ve known share a common trait: they’re insatiably curious. They never stop learning. But here’s the truth, growth is rarely a solo journey. Leaders learn best together. In unity, there is strength. In shared stories, there is wisdom. Picture a room filled with leaders from every sector, business owners, educators, nonprofit champions, elected officials. Each one carrying victories […]
- [Facing Storms](https://ronkitchens.com/facing-storms/): As leaders, how do we handle the storms that come our way? Do we face them head-on, or do we turn and run? There’s a story from the open plains of the U.S. that offers us some wisdom on this topic. Out there, you’ve got two animals, cattle and the American buffalo (or bison) that share the same land but respond to storms in very different ways. Now, when the skies turn dark and the storm starts rolling in, cattle tend to scatter. They see the danger and think, “We gotta get out of here!” So, they start running away […]
- [A Kind Word](https://ronkitchens.com/a-kind-word/): On a recent flight, I was reminded that sometimes the smallest gestures carry the greatest weight. No, I didn’t get an upgrade. The seat next to me wasn’t even empty. What made the trip unforgettable was something far more meaningful: a handwritten note. Pam, our flight attendant, slipped us a simple card that read, “It is a pleasure to have you both travel with us today! We appreciate your loyalty as medallion members.” That was it. Just a few words. But in that moment, we weren’t just passengers in seat 12C and 12D. We were seen. And after a vacation […]
- [The American Dream and the Power of Community](https://ronkitchens.com/the-american-dream-and-the-power-of-community/): At the heart of the American dream is a simple, powerful belief: that our children will live better lives than we did. We call it economic mobility, the chance for the next generation to climb higher, achieve more, and fulfill the promise of a brighter future. But for far too many children born into poverty, that dream feels less like a promise and more like a distant fantasy. Harvard economist Raj Chetty and his team have spent years studying what really drives economic mobility. By analyzing the lives of millions of Americans, their research uncovered a striking truth: where you […]
- [The Greatest Force for Change: A Job](https://ronkitchens.com/the-greatest-force-for-change-a-job/): I believe the greatest force for change is a job. So did Tarek al-Tayeb Mohamed Bouazizi, a Tunisian street vendor who, on December 17, 2010, set himself on fire in despair over his inability to earn a living. His tragic act sparked the Arab Spring, igniting protests that toppled governments across the Middle East. His message was clear: the right to work with dignity isn’t a luxury — it’s foundational. Jim Clifton, Chairman of Gallup, captured this truth in his book The Coming Jobs War. For most of human history, people longed for love, food, shelter, safety, peace, and freedom […]

## Pages

- [Top 100 Books for Leaders](https://ronkitchens.com/top-100-books-for-leaders/): Top 100 Books for best Leaders
- [Booking Form](https://ronkitchens.com/booking-form/): Book Ron Kitchens To book Ron, begin by submitting the form below. Be sure to include as much detailed information as possible. Once we receive your submission, our team will be in contact with you soon!
- [Contact](https://ronkitchens.com/contact/): Top 100 Books for best Leaders Ron would love to hear from you! Submit the form below to give feedback or ask questions. Thanks for reaching out! CALL US (269) 217-9831 Email ron@ronkitchens.com Follow On Facebook-f X-twitter Instagram Linkedin-in
- [Forward Insights](https://ronkitchens.com/blog/): Forward Insights Discover insights, tips, and stories from our team and community. Whether you’re here to learn something new, stay updated, or get inspired, you’ll find fresh content added regularly. Dive in and explore our latest posts below!
- [Books to Empower Leaders](https://ronkitchens.com/books-by-ron/): Uniquely You There are countless gurus, processes, and quick-fix formulas to chase in the quest to grow your business, lead your team, and find personal fulfillment. But the leadership lessons we most need to learn are not out there somewhere–they’re in here, in our own lives. By sharing his own journey of discovering what his life was trying to teach him through both trials and triumphs, Ron Kitchens equips you to mine your own story for the relationships and life lessons that have made you in to the unique individual you are today. He then shows you how to leverage […]
- [Podcast](https://ronkitchens.com/podcast/): Ron Kitchens Always Forward Leadership Podcast The Always Forward Leadership Podcast is built for leaders who want to keep growing and moving forward with purpose. Each episode shares stories, lessons, and practical insights to help you lead with courage, clarity, and impact, so you and your team are moving always forward. 01 Ron Kitchens – How to stay great and control your commitments by The Podcast Factory view podcast 02 Ron Kitchens on What It Takes To Become One of the Best Workplaces in America by Carey Nieuwhof view podcast 03 The Need for Community Capitalism (Interview w/ Ron Kitchens) […]
- [Booking](https://ronkitchens.com/booking/): Book Ron to Speak Ron speaks on Creating and Growing High Performance Teams and Boards. Community Capitalism: The Intersection of Business, Government and Philanthropy. Building World Class Cultures for Community Growth CLICK HERE TO BOOK RON Through leadership talks and workshops, Ron assists leaders across the country to accelerate their impact and well-being in career, family and community. Ron Kitchens is what happens when economic development meets espresso and doesn’t sleep until the community thrives. With more than 30 years of leading transformational growth across Texas, Missouri, and Michigan, Ron currently serves as President and CEO of Forward Wichita Falls, […]
- [Home](https://ronkitchens.com/): Jobs change lives. Communities change the world. I am committed to make both happen. The Greatest Force for Change is a Job I’m Ron Kitchens — author, speaker, and podcast host, here to share stories and tools that move leaders to action. Let’s Connect Subscribe to Weekly Insights Ron Kitchens is an extraordinary leader who inspires our dreams and shows us how to achieve them. Denise Lee Yohn 01 Book Ron Kitchens I bring real-world experience and compelling stories that inspire audiences to believe in the power of jobs to change lives and transform communities. View All 02 Podcast Always […]


[comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)