Leadership
John G. Daniel is the Founder and Leader of Backstory and Beyond with John G Daniel. Backstory and Beyond" with John G. Daniel, is a captivating storytelling series delving into the profound journey towards calling, purpose, service and fulfilling "peak" human potential. These stories matter because they are relevant and meaningful to becoming your best.
In a relaxed and engaging manner, John G. Daniel, the mastermind behind the series, initiates each episode by inviting special guests to share their unique "Backstory." This sets the stage for a thought-provoking dialogue where tailored questions unravel the essence of each individual's narrative. Every episode unfolds organically, fostering a dynamic exchange that uncovers intriguing insights inspired by the guest's personal journey.
The foundation of this podcast stems from John's background, of diverse experiences that include: Vast Servant Leadership in Corporate, Government and Non-profit Sectors; Creating and Hosting the Equity in Business Podcast and Backstory and Beyond, with John G. Daniel, where he has had conversations and communicated well, with C-Suite executives from global companies.
More esoterically, there are three other life changing experiences that inspire and motivate John's body of ongoing work: 1) Daniel Family Values , 2) Training in Traditional Karate-do for most of his life, and 3) Faith in a God who's attributes include being: All Powerful, All Knowing, Always Present, Always Truthful and Unchanging in who he is and what he says he's going to do (Promises)
To view all the interviews from Backstory and Beyond with John G. Daniel and more, please click on the link from my Youtube site: www.youtube.com/@JohnG.DanielProductionsL-nb4uu,
John’s former career includes vast experience in corporate, non-profit, and government servant lead-ership as the: Director of Economic Development of PECO Energy Company, Vice President, and As-sociate Executive Director, of Father Flanagan’s Boys Town, CEO & Deputy Executive Director of Lou-isiana Spirit Hurricane Recovery (Katrina and Gustav) and Executive Director of Boys Hope Girls Hope of Baton Rouge.
John also founded a notable non-profit organization called Unity Day Youth and Family Zone/Daniel Karate Group, that teaches holistic education utilizing traditional martial arts. As a 7th Degree Black Belt, world class competitor, former coach of the United States Karate Team, and proponent of “what works” to empower underserved youth, John has been a resource for major media outlets, star ath-letes, notable celebrities, and community organizations across the country.
Mr. Daniel’s strengths lie in his ability to articulate relevant messages that engage people in collabora-tive efforts. He has the ability to bring out the best of human hopes and aspirations in those from di-verse cultures and agencies.
Mr. Daniel’s additional notable community service achievements include being:
• Champion of cross sector collaboration that helped attract and establish the first IBM P-Tech Pro-gram in Louisiana
• Creator of “Kitchen Table Talk Louisiana”, an intergenerational dialogue between community cham-pions and underserved youth. The program has been showcased by Louisiana Public Broadcasting.
• Rotary Club of Baton Rouge Member and Louisiana Young Heroes Committee Volunteer
• Champion for Children, Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana
• Outstanding Community Partner, Volunteers in Public Schools, EBPRSS
• Edison Electric Institute Awardee, 1st Urban Commercial Geothermal Application at the original loca-tion of Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Co-Founder and Co-Chair, Arnold Schwarzenegger Inner-City Games, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Producer of the Baton Rouge, Louisiana landmark event, "Opening a Black History Time Capsule" with Tony Brown, who was the producer and host of the Emmy Award winning PBS television series, “Tony Brown’s Journal”
John earned a double Bachelor’s degree in Government and Psychology, from Cornell University in 1979. In 2009, John was named “Distinguished Classmate” by the Cornell University Class of 1979 Alumni. Mr. Daniel is married to Nita Dupas Daniel and they have seven children and six grand children.
Audra Collett is the Chairperson, Treasurer, and Vice President of Scholars Laboratory. She began her involvement with Scholars Laboratory, formerly Boys Hope Girls Hope of Baton Rouge, in October of 2016 as the treasurer of the organization. In a few short months, Audra became the chairperson. She has spearheaded the transition of Scholars Laboratory enabling the non-profit organization to increase its outreach and broaden its mission to better serve the unmet needs of underserved youth in Baton Rouge and beyond.
Audra is also the Vice President of Southern States Scholars (S3). She and her partner, John Daniel, established S3 believing that the key to success in creating substantial and lasting change in Baton Rouge is through collaboration and utilization of the collective impact model.
Active in her community, Audra has spent many years in leadership as an active and sustaining member of the Junior League of Baton Rouge. While serving as an active member, she was the Chairman of Family Road Kids Korner, Treasurer of River Road Recipes, Financial Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Provisional Advisor, and Annual Planning Chairman. As a sustaining member she has been the advisor to the following committees: Kids in the Kitchen, Endowment, Financial Council, Research and Development, and Getting Ahead and Going Beyond. She was appointed to the Audit and Investment Committee where she served three years. For two years, Audra was selected and worked as a mentor to active members. She has served as the treasurer of her homeowner’s organization, president of her children’s parents organization, coordinator of the DARE program, and Girl Scout leader. Bishop Ott Shelter is frequented by her and her family where they have prepared and served many meals.
A Louisiana native, Audra received her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Business with a Minor in Economics from Centenary College of Louisiana. In 1996, she became a Certified Financial Planner. She owns a small business consulting firm and is a coach at Orangetheory Fitness Longfarm.
