Author Archives: willieryder

Unknown's avatar

About willieryder

Willie Ryder spent 10 years in the United States Marine Corps working in Communications and Information Technology in multiple different Leadership roles. He then went to work at Microsoft where he has been for almost 15 years now working in Engineer, Manager, and Leadership roles. Willie is very passionate about his personal and professional development and also helping others grow. Especially our next generation. He was an active member in Toastmasters for 8 years where he worked on his Communications and Leadership skills and has mentored many others in these areas. Willie has been a year round youth basketball coach at www.YesICanBasketball.com for 13 years where he has had the wonderful opportunity to work with and coach 100's of kids of all ages. The past 6 years he has regularly volunteered to speak about character traits and mentor kids at the nearby public elementary schools. Over the last 3 years he has been a volunteer mentor with the nonprofit organization www.RightMovesForYouth.org where he tries to make a positive impact on some of the local High School students. Willie has been married to Jennifer for 24 years. They have 2 daughters, a son, and a Siberian Husky. In his free time he enjoys spending time with family, attending and serving at Elevation Church, Coaching youth basketball, Writing, Public Speaking, Reading, and Running.

Youth Basketball – How You Show Up Matters

The player pulls up for a shot, the ball bounces off the rim, and a defender gets the rebound.  From the sideline the coach yells out “Good try, now let’s get back on defense, get a stop, and get the ball back.” All … Continue reading

Posted in Personal Development, Youth Basketball | Leave a comment

Speech Tips – Speech Writing

A lot of people over the years have asked me for advice on writing speeches when they first join Toastmasters.  After I  shared how I prepare speeches with several people, I decided to document the information.  This has made it easier to share the information with others when they ask. … Continue reading

Posted in Communications, Speech Tips | Leave a comment

Leadership Shorts – Visible and Available

Leaders care about their people and want what’s best for them. When their people are struggling they do whatever they can to try to help provide them relief.  There are situations that are completely out of their control though.  Ones that have … Continue reading

Posted in Leadership, Leadership Shorts | Leave a comment

Leadership Shorts – Lifetime Learner

The world is a big and exciting place filled with a lot to learn and experience.  No one could possibly know everything and things change so fast that there is always something new and worth learning about. The best leaders are committed to … Continue reading

Posted in Leadership, Leadership Shorts, Personal Development | Leave a comment

Toastmasters

When people first decide to join a Toastmasters club it is usually to work on their public speaking abilities.  What they quickly realize is they also have opportunities to work on a lot more. There is the opportunity to work on formal … Continue reading

Posted in Communications, Leadership, Speech Tips | Leave a comment

Youth Basketball – Courage, Confidence, and Composure at a Young Age

Two weeks ago we wrapped up our Summer Leagues at Yes I Can Basketball.  During the final game of the Girls 8 – 10 Year old League I witnessed an amazing example of Courage, Confidence, and Composure from one of the young … Continue reading

Posted in Youth Basketball | Leave a comment

Leadership Shorts – Intention and Purpose

Leaders do things with intention and purpose.  They have a clear vision of the life they want to live; what they want to accomplish, the impact they can make, the person they are capable of being, and are working towards clear goals in order to reach their full … Continue reading

Posted in Leadership, Leadership Shorts | Leave a comment

Leadership Shorts – Values

The best leaders have strong Core Values they choose to live by. There lies in each and every one of us a core set of personal values.  Ones that are so important that we feel our happiest when they are … Continue reading

Posted in Leadership, Leadership Shorts | Leave a comment

Leadership Shorts – Ownership

The best thing a leader can do for someone looking to grow is provide them ownership and the responsibilities of a task or stretch opportunity that will help them obtain the skills they are looking for. The best way to … Continue reading

Posted in Leadership, Leadership Shorts | Leave a comment

Leadership Shorts – Lead, Follow, or Get out of the Way

Lead – Step up and take charge. Follow – Willingly follow and support others and their ideas. Get out of the Way – Delegate and step away, allowing someone else to show what they are capable of accomplishing as a … Continue reading

Posted in Leadership, Leadership Shorts | Leave a comment