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WHY MISSION BUILT LEADERSHIP EXISTS

Mission Built Leadership exists to develop principled leaders who choose what is right over what is easy, build organizations worthy of trust, and leave every person and every community stronger than they found them.
 

We believe leadership begins long before the title, the strategy, or the decision.
 

It begins with what is being built inside the leader.
 

Character. Trust. Purpose. Clarity. The courage to accept responsibility. The humility to develop others. The commitment to place the mission ahead of personal recognition or position.
 

That is why Mission-Built Leadership begins with one central truth:
 

Before you build the mission, the mission must build you.
 

Through practical leadership development grounded in real-world experience, we help leaders strengthen the people they lead, create cultures capable of carrying the mission, and build organizations that continue to thrive long after the leader is gone.

Because lasting leadership is not measured only by what a leader accomplishes.
 

It is measured by what remains in people after the leader is gone.

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Our Vision

To develop leaders who rise above division, lead with principle, and communicate in ways that build trust, unite teams, and drive meaningful results.

Meet Our Team

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John Thomas — President & CEO | Speaker, Trainer & Coach

John Thomas has led where leadership matters most—across law enforcement, education, government, and economic development. A former investigator, head football coach, high school administrator, university executive, airport authority board member, Vice Mayor, and President/CEO of a building industry trade association, he also currently serves as an elected School Board Member.

A certified Maxwell Leadership speaker, trainer, and coach, John champions High Road Leadership—grounded in integrity, discipline, and intentional growth. Known for communicating with clarity and connecting across diverse audiences, he equips leaders to build trust, lead under pressure, and drive meaningful, lasting results.

Speaks On:  Leadership Revealed · High Road Leadership · Everyone Communicates, Few Connect

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Amber Carroll — Speaker & Leadership Coach

Amber Carroll helps individuals and organizations reach their full potential by developing leadership, character, and purpose. With over 20 years in nonprofit and community leadership, she coaches diverse teams, builds partnerships, and guides organizations through meaningful change. Known as a "Turnaround Architect," she specializes in systems and process improvement. She holds a B.A. in Organizational Communication from UCF and a Master of Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary.

Speaks on: Organizational Turnaround · Personal Growth · Leading Change

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Debbie Thomas — Speaker & Consultant

Debbie Thomas brings public leadership and high-level business development experience to Mission Built. A two-time elected official and Senior Director for a major commercial general contractor, she teaches a powerful truth: growth comes from relationships, not transactions—building trust, community, and long-term partnerships.

As a speaker on women in business, Debbie shares her journey from motherhood to elected office and executive leadership. She equips leaders to build influence, strengthen connections, and win through relationships that last.

Speaks on: Women in Business · Relationship-Driven Growth · Influence & Connection

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Dr. Michael Cadore Speaker & Consultant

Dr. Michael A. Cadore Sr. is a higher education executive, city councilman, keynote speaker, published author, and former law enforcement professional with a passion for developing purpose-driven leaders and organizations. He specializes in community engagement, workforce development, strategic partnerships, and organizational culture. Dr. Cadore is the creator of the Magnus Principles—Preparation, Patience, Professionalism, Pride, Persistence, and Praise—a leadership framework that helps teams improve performance and communication. A former record-setting athlete at Eastern Kentucky University and NFL draft selection, he brings a unique perspective on leadership, resilience, and excellence to organizations seeking meaningful and lasting results.

Speaks on:  Purpose Over Position · Building High-Performance Organizational Cultures · Developing the Next Generation of Leaders

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Jackie ColónSpeaker, Trainer & Executive Coach

Jackie Colón brings a powerful blend of public leadership and real-world insight to Mission Built. A former Brevard County Commissioner, Chair of the Commission, and Deputy Mayor of Palm Bay, she has led efforts in economic development, policy, and regional collaboration across the Space Coast. Known for building consensus and mentoring leaders, her impact spans government and community initiatives.

As a Maxwell Certified Coach, leadership speaker, coach and trainer, Jackie helps individuals and organizations perform at a higher level. Her focus on communication, collaboration, and strategic decision-making equips leaders to navigate complexity and build strong, mission-driven teams.

Speaks on: Public-Sector Leadership · Building Consensus · Strategic Decision-Making

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Ray Herring — Speaker & Student-Athlete Development Coach

Ray Herring helps student-athletes discover purpose, build character, and develop the skills to succeed on and off the field. Ray was a four-time All-State football player and played for the University of Notre Dame on a full scholarship. He holds dual undergraduate degrees, an MBA, and completed the Sports Management Institute executive program.

Ray helped launch Florida Tech’s football program before moving into athletic administration, where he raised over $100 million in support of programs and endowments at Notre Dame.

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Speaks on: Character & Purpose · Student-Athlete Development · Performance Under Pressure

The Architecture of Mission-Built Leadership

Mission-Built Leadership is built upon eight interconnected, load-bearing elements:

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Formation · Character · Trust · Purpose · Clarity · Culture · People · Legacy

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These are not steps to complete. They are the elements that determine whether a leader, team, or organization can carry the weight of its mission—and whether what they build will last.

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