By Bob Holmes

Over 1,000 people came to the Columbia International University campus to hear Dr. John Maxwell’s   Leadership Forum in Shortess Chapel. Maxwell is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, coach, and speaker who has sold more than 26 million books in 50 languages.

“My name is John, and I’m your friend,” is how Maxwell introduced himself at the April 25 event.   

Describing himself as not a “motivational speaker,” but a “motivational teacher,” the audience reacted with audible “Ahhs” and “Ohhs” when Maxwell hit on various truths about life and leadership.

While Maxwell touched on many topics using humor and personal experiences, he delivered a strong focus on being intentional in relationships saying that “either you are a plus in your relationships or you are a minus.”

“You are either adding value to people on a daily basis, and they can hardly wait to be around you, or you are subtracting and pulling value out of people,” Maxwell added.

“Value people – everybody,” Maxwell emphasized before reciting the first part of John 3:16 with the audience.

“For God so loved the world,” rang out with Maxwell emphasizing THE WORLD. “Be Jesus-like. Add value to people,” he said.   

Maxwell was also the featured speaker at a CIU VIP luncheon with local business leaders and event sponsors. The luncheon focused on how to bring faith into the business place with personal experiences and suggestions from Tobin Cassels, the president of Southeastern Freight Lines; Jim Morgan, the former CEO of Krispy Crème; and bestselling author Hans Finzel, the CEO of HDLeaders.

Maxwell’s day began by speaking to over 100 employees of Southeastern Freight Lines in Lexington. He ended his day in an intimate setting, taking questions from over two dozen CIU student leaders.

Maxwell was introduced by CIU President Dr. Mark Smith who says Maxwell has been his personal mentor for several years and has changed the way he leads. 

Each year Maxwell speaks to Fortune 500 companies, presidents of nations, and many of the world’s top business executives. More than six million leaders from every country of the world have received training through The John Maxwell Company, The John Maxwell Team, EQUIP, and the John Maxwell Leadership Foundation. 

CIU is experiencing growth in enrollment and has announced $25 million in expansion plans for the campus. CIU is accredited by SACS-COC. Information on CIU programs and enrollment is available here or call (800) 777-2227, ext. 5024.