
Jekiel Bishop
Pastor, 1SG (Ret), MBA
GA, USI bring raw, real-world leadership forged as a combat veteran, pastor, and entrepreneur. I equip teams to cut excuses, build grit, and embrace the optional obligation of leadership—helping them lead with influence, integrity, and character that lasts.
When organizations need leaders who are ready to take ownership, stop making excuses, and lead with integrity, Jay Bishop delivers. His signature programs, The Optional Obligation and The Leader’s Oath, cut through academic fluff and challenge audiences to embrace leadership as a choice that demands responsibility, character, and influence.
Jay’s authority comes from experience. He is a retired U.S. Army First Sergeant (1SG), combat veteran, and graduate of the Army’s most demanding leadership schools including Pathfinder, Airborne, Jumpmaster, Air Assault, Battle Staff, and every level of leadership training from the Army Basic Leaders Course through the Master Leaders Course. He has earned the Combat Infantryman Badge and Expert Infantryman Badge, both marks of distinction in the military. With over two decades of military service, Jay knows what it takes to lead under pressure, develop soldiers, and build teams that succeed when failure is not an option.
But Jay’s leadership is not only military. He is also a pastor, coach, Toastmasters award-winning speaker, and entrepreneur, the Founder of Shepherd’s Way Leadership, and a voice for Christ-centered leadership in churches, schools, and organizations. His academic credentials include an AS in Kinesiology, a BA in Business Administration with a concentration in Leadership, an MBA with a concentration in Leadership, and a Master of Arts in Biblical Exposition. He is currently a Doctoral Student in Strategic Leadership.
In addition, Jay is:
- A member of the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team
- A Toastmasters Accredited Toastmaster (ATM) award recipient
- A Toastmasters Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award recipient
As a leadership coach and keynote speaker, Jay equips audiences with actionable strategies they can use immediately in their businesses, churches, and communities. He has spoken to schools, military programs, churches, nonprofits, and corporate teams, always bringing the same grounded, real-world insight that comes from leading in combat, in the pulpit, and in business. His religion-based leadership teaching resonates deeply with faith-based audiences, while his Army and military background connects instantly with veterans, ROTC programs, and service organizations.
Your audience will leave with:
- A personal Leader’s Oath they can apply to their lives and leadership immediately
- Clarity on why leadership is an optional obligation and how to embrace responsibility
- Coaching-style insights that move people from theory to practice
- The inspiration to lead with influence in the military, in business, in church, and in life
Jay Bishop has been recognized across multiple categories on eSpeakers: ranked among the Top Coaches, a leading voice in Leadership, ranked #1 in Religion, and highly ranked in Military speakers. His combination of Army 1SG experience, academic excellence, Toastmasters achievements, Maxwell Leadership certification, pastoral calling, and coaching ability makes him one of the most versatile and impactful leadership speakers available today.
When organizations need leaders who are ready to take ownership, stop making excuses, and lead with integrity, Jay Bishop delivers. His signature programs, The Optional Obligation and The Leader’s Oath, cut through academic fluff and challenge audiences to embrace leadership as a choice that demands responsibility, character, and influence.
Jay’s authority comes from experience. He is a retired U.S. Army First Sergeant (1SG), combat veteran, and graduate of the Army’s most demanding leadership schools including Pathfinder, Airborne, Jumpmaster, Air Assault, Battle Staff, and every level of leadership training from the Army Basic Leaders Course through the Master Leaders Course. He has earned the Combat Infantryman Badge and Expert Infantryman Badge, both marks of distinction in the military. With over two decades of military service, Jay knows what it takes to lead under pressure, develop soldiers, and build teams that succeed when failure is not an option.
But Jay’s leadership is not only military. He is also a pastor, coach, Toastmasters award-winning speaker, and entrepreneur, the Founder of Shepherd’s Way Leadership, and a voice for Christ-centered leadership in churches, schools, and organizations. His academic credentials include an AS in Kinesiology, a BA in Business Administration with a concentration in Leadership, an MBA with a concentration in Leadership, and a Master of Arts in Biblical Exposition. He is currently a Doctoral Student in Strategic Leadership.
In addition, Jay is:
- A member of the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team
- A Toastmasters Accredited Toastmaster (ATM) award recipient
- A Toastmasters Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award recipient
As a leadership coach and keynote speaker, Jay equips audiences with actionable strategies they can use immediately in their businesses, churches, and communities. He has spoken to schools, military programs, churches, nonprofits, and corporate teams, always bringing the same grounded, real-world insight that comes from leading in combat, in the pulpit, and in business. His religion-based leadership teaching resonates deeply with faith-based audiences, while his Army and military background connects instantly with veterans, ROTC programs, and service organizations.
Your audience will leave with:
- A personal Leader’s Oath they can apply to their lives and leadership immediately
- Clarity on why leadership is an optional obligation and how to embrace responsibility
- Coaching-style insights that move people from theory to practice
- The inspiration to lead with influence in the military, in business, in church, and in life
Jay Bishop has been recognized across multiple categories on eSpeakers: ranked among the Top Coaches, a leading voice in Leadership, ranked #1 in Religion, and highly ranked in Military speakers. His combination of Army 1SG experience, academic excellence, Toastmasters achievements, Maxwell Leadership certification, pastoral calling, and coaching ability makes him one of the most versatile and impactful leadership speakers available today.
Leadership is an Optional Obligation
45–60 Minute Keynote | 2-Hour Workshop
This program is perfect for:
- Emerging leaders who think leadership is about position, not responsibility
- Teams struggling with accountability and ownership
The audience will leave with:
- A clear understanding that leadership is a choice, not a title
- Practical steps to embrace responsibility and lead by...
The Leader's Oath
45–60 Minute Keynote | 2-Hour Workshop
This program is perfect for:
- Leaders who need a personal reset or renewed commitment to why they lead
- Teams looking to anchor their culture in shared values and responsibility
The audience will leave with:
- A personal commitment to lead with integrity, influence, and accountability
- A clear “oath” that serves as a grounding tool for their leadership journey
Description:
Authority vs Influence
45–60 Minute Keynote | 2-Hour Workshop
This program is perfect for:
- Leaders who think a title automatically makes them respected
- Teams that struggle with trust, buy-in, and real influence
The audience will leave with:
- A deep understanding that authority is given, but influence is earned
- Practical strategies to build credibility and lead hearts, not just tasks
The Cost of Bad Leadership
45–60 Minute Keynote | 2-Hour Workshop
This program is perfect for:
- Organizations experiencing low morale, high turnover, or fractured culture
- Leaders who need a reality check on the impact of their decisions
The audience will leave with:
- Awareness of how poor leadership destroys trust and productivity
- Tools to identify blind spots and correct patterns before they spread
14 recommend Jekiel
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Ohio State University
On-Site
J.S., Military Science Instructor, Ohio State University
Verified @osu.eduHaving Jay Bishop speak to our ROTC cadets was an easy decision. He and I served together in the Army as paratroopers and mortar leader instructors, and I knew his experience and perspective would bring tremendous value to our program. Jay spoke with the credibility of someone who has led in combat and the insight of someone who understands the weight of developing leaders. He connected his journey to the path our cadets are on, showing them what leadership looks like when the stakes are high and the responsibility is real. The cadets left with lessons they can carry forward into their careers as officers, and the impact of his visit will stay with them well beyond the classroom. We already have him booked for a future session, which speaks to the value he brought to our program.
Good Works Project
On-Site
D.W., President, Good Works Project
Verified @goodworksproject.orgI’ve attended Jay’s presentations several times and had the pleasure of sharing the stage with him on a few occasions. I can say from firsthand experience that Jay always delivers a powerful message that resonates deeply with the heart of any mission. His words are always honest and unfiltered, reminding us that leadership is not about recognition but about responsibility, sacrifice, and serving others. He challenges both organizational leadership & staff to recognize the influence they carry in the community and inspires them to keep pressing forward even when the work is difficult. Jay’s ability to weave his own experiences into his message makes his presentations both personal and unforgettable. Every time I hear Jay speak, I walk away encouraged, re-energized, and more determined to make a difference. I strongly recommend Jay Bishop to any organization looking to ignite their team with fresh energy, vision, and inspiration.
Waddell Elementary School
On-Site
J.M., Principal, Waddell Elementary School
Verified @muscogee.k12.ga.usJay Bishop brought something different to our leadership training at Waddell Elementary. His approach was bold, engaging, and unlike anything we had experienced before. The Prince and the Tunnel story gripped our staff and sparked conversations that continued long after the session ended. Jay did more than inspire; he gave us a mirror to see ourselves as leaders and a challenge to raise the bar in how we serve our students and each other. It was an unforgettable experience that strengthened both our confidence and our commitment as a team.
Still Serving Veterans
On-Site
D.D., Counsloer, Still Serving Veterans
Verified @ssv.orgJay Bishop speaks the language of veterans because he’s lived it. His presentation to our group was real and powerful. It was exactly what our veterans needed to hear. He connected immediately with our audience, bringing both credibility from his service as a First Sergeant and encouragement rooted in his passion for helping others succeed after the uniform. I strongly recommend Jay to any veteran-focused organization that wants to inspire and empower their people.
Good Neighbor Tutoring
On-Site
M.K., Director, Good Neighbor Tutoring
Verified @goodneighbortutoring.comI first heard Jay Bishop speak through the Rotary Club and later as a presenter at one of our Good Neighbor Tutoring leadership huddles. From the moment he stepped to the front of the room, he had everyone’s attention. Jay speaks with intelligence, confidence, and a presence that immediately commands respect. What makes him stand out is the way he weaves personal stories into powerful leadership lessons that connect with people on every level. His insights are practical, memorable, and exactly what leaders need if they want to grow themselves and the teams they serve. Jay Bishop’s leadership lessons are gold, and I highly recommend him to any organization looking to invest in their people.
Coldwell Banker
On-Site
L.O., Real Estate Agent, Coldwell Banker
Verified @kpdd.comWorking with Jay Bishop through executive coaching has been an incredible experience. He has a way of asking the tough questions that get right to the core of what holds you back, while also giving practical strategies to move forward with clarity and confidence. As a real estate professional, I deal with high-stress situations and constant decision-making, and Jay’s coaching helped me sharpen my focus, strengthen my discipline, and lead with greater influence. His background as a combat veteran, pastor, and entrepreneur gives him a perspective that is both unique and highly effective. I would recommend Jay’s coaching to any professional who wants more than surface-level advice and is ready to grow as a leader.
Russell County Child Advocacy Center
On-Site
N.J., Counselor, Russell County Child Advocacy Center
Verified @rccac.orgHaving Jay Bishop speak to our staff at the Russell County Child Advocacy Center was both powerful and timely. He spoke directly to the heart of what it means to serve others in difficult circumstances, reminding us that leadership is not about position but about responsibility and character. His message was raw, relevant, and deeply encouraging to our team, many of whom left feeling renewed in their purpose and commitment to the children and families we serve. Jay brought clarity, strength, and inspiration, and we are grateful for the impact he made on our staff."
Upatoi Community Church
On-Site
J.W., Board Director, Upatoi Community Church
Verified @gmail.comWe have been so blessed to have Jay Bishop come and lead our church through leadership training, not once but twice already. Each time he has brought something new, practical, and thought-provoking that has helped our board and leaders grow in ways we didn’t expect. Jay has a way of teaching that is down-to-earth but also deeply rooted in the truth of God’s Word. He speaks with honesty and passion, and it is clear that he cares about people and the future of the church. Our leaders have been challenged and encouraged to step up in their roles, and the conversations that have come from his training sessions are still continuing weeks later. We are already booked to have him return for another event in the coming weeks, and we look forward to it with great anticipation. I cannot recommend Jay highly enough. He is the real thing, and any church or organization that brings him in will walk away stronger.
Medbill
On-Site
N.S., Intake Supervisor, Medbill
Verified @medbill.comJay led a virtual leadership mastermind for our team of ten, and it exceeded every expectation. I normally do not enjoy virtual meetings, but this one was different from the start. Jay kept the group engaged, created real interaction, and made it feel like a true conversation instead of a one-way lecture. He facilitated meaningful dialogue, asked thought-provoking questions, and connected his real-world leadership experience to our daily challenges. The session was both engaging and practical, and our team walked away more connected, more accountable, and better equipped to lead in our roles. I would strongly recommend Jay’s virtual mastermind to any organization looking for an online event that actually works.
WriteOne Productions
On-Site
R.S., CEO, WriteOne Productions
Verified @outlook.comJay Bishop is a speaker who knows how to command a room. When he spoke to our team at WriteOne Productions, he brought a level of energy and conviction that instantly grabbed attention and kept it. What impressed us most was how he connected real-world leadership principles to the creative process of filmmaking. He reminded us that great stories are built on discipline, vision, and persistence, and those same qualities are what make great leaders. Our crew left inspired, focused, and motivated to push their craft further. Jay has the rare gift of speaking in a way that is both raw and practical, and we highly recommend him to any organization looking to elevate its people.
Plantation Projects
On-Site
M.S., Owner, Plantation Projects
Verified @plantationprojects.comJay was referred to me by my sister. He came in and absolutely crushed it. When we brought him in to lead a workshop for our company, we expected a good training session. What we got was an eye-opening experience that left a lasting impact on every member of our team. Jay has a rare ability to blend raw honesty with practical tools. He didn’t lecture; he engaged, challenged, and pulled real answers out of our staff. By the end of the day, our team wasn’t just listening, they were participating, wrestling with tough questions, and committing to change. What set Jay apart was how personal and real he made the workshop. He drew from his experience in combat, ministry, and business, but always tied it back to our daily reality in a home restoration company. He reminded us that leadership doesn’t stay at the office. It follows us to the job site, into our homes, and into the way we carry ourselves every day. Our employees left not only with practical strategies for accountability and communication but also with a deeper sense of responsibility for the culture we are building. We have done plenty of trainings before, but Jay’s stood out. It was not corporate jargon or motivational fluff. It was raw, relatable, and transformative. We will absolutely be working with him again, and I would recommend him to any company, big or small, that is serious about developing leaders who will step up and own their role.
Think Different Legal
On-Site
J.S., Office Manager, Think Different Legal
Verified @thinkdifferent.groupJay Bishop brought a level of authenticity and energy to our team that you rarely find in speakers today. His message was direct, practical, and completely relatable to the challenges we face in the workplace. What stood out most was his ability to connect real-life leadership lessons with our daily responsibilities, leaving everyone motivated to take ownership and lead with integrity. The impact was immediate — our staff left encouraged, focused, and ready to raise their standard. I would highly recommend Jay to any organization looking to strengthen its culture and develop leaders at every level.
Organically Giving
On-Site
J.J., President, Organically Giving
Verified @organicallygiving.comJay Bishop brought an unforgettable energy to our organization. His message on leadership was not only powerful but directly aligned with our mission of empowering communities and building brighter futures. Jay challenged our team to embrace responsibility, lead with integrity, and never underestimate the influence they carry in the lives of others. What impressed me most was his ability to connect his real-world experiences from the battlefield to ministry to entrepreneurship into lessons that felt practical and inspiring for our work. Our staff and volunteers left with a renewed sense of purpose and a clearer vision of how their daily actions can create lasting change. Jay is the kind of speaker who does not just talk about leadership, he stirs it up in people. We are grateful for his impact and look forward to working with him again.
Warrior Jiu Jitsu
On-Site
R.S., Owner, Warrior Jiu Jitsu
Verified @gmail.comJay Bishop delivered an unforgettable message at our event. His approach was raw, real, and exactly what our team needed to hear. He spoke with the authority of someone who has lived leadership under pressure and the heart of someone who genuinely cares about people. Our students and staff walked away challenged to step up, take responsibility, and lead both on and off the mats. The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive — many said it was the most impactful talk they’ve ever experienced. We would absolutely bring Jay back again and recommend him to any organization serious about building leaders of grit and character."




















