The Power of One Person – Thank You Kevin Kerley

Last weekend, over the Early May Bank Holiday, I had the privilege of spending four unforgettable days with Kevin Kerley at his beautiful villa in Spain.
 
It was one of those experiences that reminds you just how important people are in your life.
 
Kevin’s hospitality was exceptional, but what made it even more special was the opportunity to spend time with his son Elliot. The last time I saw him, he was around 12 years old. Now he stands at 6ft 7in and plays basketball in Spain. I even had the chance to watch him play, and his team won the first leg of a playoff for the championship.
 
 
Moments like that stay with you.
 
I first met Kevin back in 2012. He saw me speak at an event and, for reasons I’ll always be grateful, he saw something in me. Potential.
 
But more importantly, he acted on it.
 
Kevin booked me to speak at his Academy for Chief Executives group in Sheffield. Then he invited me to his home and helped me refine my presentation. He gave me honest feedback, challenged me, and helped me improve.
 
Looking back now, I can say with complete honesty that without Kevin’s support in those early days, my masterclasses would not be what they are today.
 
 
And he didn’t stop there.
 
Over the years, Kevin continued to book me, support me, and, more recently, he played a key role in helping me shape my Productivity Masterclass, which is now proving to be very popular. He has always been someone who genuinely wants to help others move forward.
 
That is a rare quality.
 
A few weeks ago, Kevin gave me two options. We could meet in the UK for a meal, or I could fly out to Spain and stay with him for a few days.
 
He didn’t expect me to take the Spain option.
 
But I did.
 
Sometimes in life, the best decisions are made on instinct. They take effort, but they create something far more valuable than convenience.
 
They create memories.
 
Sitting in Spain, sharing great food, watching Elliot play, and reflecting on a friendship that has lasted over a decade, these are what I call magic moments.
 
And they remind me of something very important.
 
Behind every successful person is often someone who believed in them early on.
 
Three Key Learnings
 
• One person can change everything
Never underestimate the impact you can have on someone by believing in them and giving them an opportunity.
 
• Support is more powerful than advice
Kevin didn’t just offer guidance. He invested time, energy, and belief. That made all the difference.
 
• Say yes to life’s moments
The decision to go to Spain created memories that will stay with me forever. Sometimes you have to go for it.
 
 
A Powerful Example
 
A powerful example of this is the relationship between Oprah Winfrey and Maya Angelou.
 
Oprah’s early life was far from easy. She grew up in poverty and faced significant hardship from a young age. There were many moments where her future could have gone in a very different direction.
 
But what changed everything was the influence of people who believed in her.
 
Maya Angelou became one of those people.
 
Their relationship went far beyond friendship. Maya was a mentor, a guiding voice, and a stabilising force in Oprah’s life. Oprah often described her as a “mother-sister-friend” and turned to her during difficult moments for wisdom and clarity.
 
What made Maya’s influence so powerful wasn’t just her words, but her presence. She helped Oprah build self-belief, trust her instincts, and recognise her own worth.
 
Oprah has openly said that Maya Angelou helped shape the way she thinks and lives.
 
And when you look at what Oprah went on to achieve, you begin to understand the true power of having the right person in your corner at the right time.
 
Kevin did that for me.
 
And for that, I will always be grateful.
 
Thoughts for the Week 

1. Who believed in you early on, and have you thanked them?
2. Who can you support right now that might benefit from your experience?
3. What opportunity are you hesitating over that could become a magic moment? 

Kevin, thank you for everything you’ve done for me. People like you make a real difference, and I’m proud to call you a friend.
 
Have a wonderful week ahead, and keep believing.
 
Warm regards
 
John

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