People who teach others how to overcome obstacles based on their personal success have gained significant knowledge and insights through their effort against hardship. They comprehend the depths of misery and the pinnacles of success, making them reliable and accessible mentors. They provide hope and encouragement to those facing similar problems by sharing their experiences and lessons learned. Their education extends beyond theoretical or textbook knowledge and is based on real-world experiences. Such individuals provide practical tactics, resources, and approaches they find useful in their journey. They inspire others’ confidence by encouraging them to embrace resilience, overcome self-doubt, and persist in adversity. Their counsel enables people to tap into their inner strength, cultivate perseverance, and eventually win over adversity. Jason Sharp is one such person aiming to mentor and motivate others to follow in his footsteps in overcoming adversity through resilience and determination.

Jason L Sharp is a mentor, leader, and author known primarily for empowering, inspiring, and motivating others by showcasing his struggles and successes as examples. His path from a troubled and challenging upbringing on Chicago’s streets to becoming a successful entrepreneur, military veteran, and leadership development coach portrays how resilience and hard work pay off. Sharp’s childhood was filled with hardship and suffering. Sharp was forced to live in poverty and homelessness while facing harsh and brutal realities due to a mother struggling with addiction and a father in prison. However, he survived and strived through adversity, mainly because of a will to stay strong and move on. 

Sharp was unaware of the future or what he would do with his life until met Dr. Yael Cidon, the surrogate mother and mentor who’s shoulders he would stand on for years to come. She found a way to register him at St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy in Delafield, Wisconsin, to break the cycle of poverty and violence. After finding success at St. John’s Northwester, he enlisted in the military in 2006 and served as a Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldier. He served in the military in multiple capacities and roles, from an infantryman to a cavalry scout and infantry platoon leader to a liaison officer. Sharp faced a substantial challenge during this period when he was diagnosed with cancer. Undaunted by his diagnosis, he fought the odds, juggling his military obligations with treatment. He emerged as a beacon of perseverance and grit while defeating the disease that most fear. 

While still receiving cancer treatment, he accepted a position as the assistant director of Summer Programming at St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy in 2014. His outstanding performance earned him a succession of promotions, culminating in his appointment as Deputy Commandant of the Academy in 2015. Sharp’s relationship with the academy remained strong during this time, reinforcing his dedication to fostering and strengthening the next generation. Sharp moved to Honeywell Aerospace in 2017, where he started as a technical project manager. His remarkable abilities and dedication catapulted him soon to the post of lead program manager for nuclear weapon programs at the Kansas City National Security Campus. Sharp realized his passion lay in developing his own companies and directly influencing people’s lives while succeeding in the corporate world.

Sharp also completed a bachelor’s degree in social welfare in 2015 from the University of Wisconsin and an Executive MBA from the University of Missouri in 2020. The academic achievements gave Sharp the abilities and knowledge for future endeavors as a mentor and leadership development coach. Throughout his professional journey as a soldier and in academics, he also learned how to survive and strive while overcoming challenges through agility and resilience. In 2018, Sharp created Sharp Leader, a consulting business specializing in leadership development and strategic planning. As CEO, he has played an important role in offering direction and mentoring to people and organizations and sharing his thoughts on resilience and mental fortitude. Sharp is also the CEO of Sherri’s Executive Lounge, a successful cigar company, in addition to his professional endeavors.

Sharp expanded his participation in numerous domains of influence, including being a member of the board of trustees of St. John’s Northwestern Academies since 2021. He also became the principle program manager for the Colombia Nuclear Submarine replacement project at Leonardo DRS in 2022, where he continues to make a mark as a professional. Sharp’s dedication to the community inspired him to start gritKC, a non-profit youth-serving organization in Kansas City, in 2023. gritKC strives to equip the future generation with the skills they need to overcome problems and realize their full potential by building mental toughness, resilience, and a contrarian perspective in young leaders. Sharp’s objective to assist future leaders in developing mental grit and resilience is a poignant reminder that pain may lead to strength and victory, which is also the primary message in his book.

Sharp was motivated to share his knowledge and insights through his book “Eyes Wide Open: Learning to Suffer” after being inspired by his personal experiences and a fortuitous meeting with an individual named Johnnie Blue Hands. The book contradicts conventional thinking by encouraging readers to embrace and utilize their troubles as catalysts for personal development and strength. Sharp hopes to motivate others to address their trauma, build resilience, and make a difference by sharing his philosophy and personal path. Jason L Sharp’s life exemplifies the power of perseverance and drive. The book is essential for people who want to learn how to overcome obstacles and succeed despite adversity and hardships. Through his examples and events, the author illustrates how people can overcome any challenge or difficulty through willpower and resilience.