Jim Akers is a speakers, personal coach, and author. He is also the founder and CEO of J. D. Akers & Associates, a leadership and personal development company. They help ambitious people focus their time, talent and resources on maximizing their personal and professional impact. In this episode Jim shares encouraging stories from his life along with imparting wisdom for those who are chasing their dreams. We also discuss his recently released book, how he raised through the ranks in a Fortune 50 corporation, and the new business he is creating. This episode is incredible!Jim's designs on success and achievement started early. In the third grade, he wanted to be President of the United States. He changed course his senior year of high school when he told his favorite teacher, Mr. Jones, it was not necessary to complete the recommendation for his application to Harvard because he had decided instead to pursue my dream to play basketball. He went to Pacific Lutheran University largely to play basketball. They loved his heart, ambition, and work-ethic but it was not enough to overcome his lack of height and talent. Not sure of what he wanted to do he transferred to Washington State University.While he didn’t know exactly what he wanted to do, he desired to be the best.Graduated from Washington State University with honors.Awarded “Outstanding Senior in Marketing”Was a “Top College Agent” for Northwestern Mutual LifeAwarded Top New Sales Representative Owens-Corning FiberglasAwarded Sales Builder Owens-Corning FiberglasFinished M.B.A., Pepperdine UniversityHe authored How to Win The Achievement Game a self-published guide to building a successful life plan. While in the midst of getting married, completing an M.B.A., and changing jobs he sold nearly 3,000 copies of the book as he spoke on the topics of success and achievement. After four award-winning years, in commission sales, in his new job, with a wholesale distributor, he was named Vice President of Sales for this $500MM company at the age of 29.International Paper acquired the company in 1994 and he rose quickly through a number of leadership roles in both distribution and manufacturing.  After cancer prematurely took the life of a family member, he moved back to Southern California in order to support family and he set significant career advancements on the sideline. His last role was as a Group Vice President for xpedx where he led a $800MM business with 21 locations and 1,200 employees in the west. In 2013, after 25 years in a senior corporate position, he took the opportunity to pursue his love of coaching, speaking and writing and formed J. D. Akers & Associates.He has been married to his wife, Kristi, for 32 years. They have two boys and live in Southern California.In his free time, he enjoys golfing, golfing and golfing. He is a member of Mount of Olives Church in Mission Viejo, California where he serves in a variety of capacities.Website: http://jimdakers.com/Impactful Notes: http://impactfulnotes.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jim.akers.92Twitter: https://twitter.com/jimakers1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimdakers/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimdakers/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-R2Yz5mucSHLgaFaxziAhQ