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Transforming Pain Into Power: A Conversation With Rick Cram
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In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts converses with Rick Cram, an expert in organizational communication, leadership, and positive change. Rick shares insights from his journey through six knee surgeries, chronic pain, and his development of the 'Plan to Be Your Best' methodology. Rick discusses tuning into one's pain, planning one's actions, and focusing on resilience through personalized strategies. Dave and Rick also cover the significance of gratitude, servant leadership, and finding purpose despite adversity.
Rick Cram — Resilience Coach & Communications Expert
Rick has consulted for hundreds of organizations and facilitated over 1,000 conferences, workshops, and engagement events. Today, he helps individuals and leaders navigate pain and stress as a Resilience Coach.
Early Career & Marketing Leadership
Rick began his career on all sides of “the business”—first in major media, then as Director of Marketing for Boston’s largest cultural event, and later as a leader at an advertising agency serving international, national, and regional brands. In 2002, he founded FullSail Strategic Communications, guiding Fortune 1000 and small businesses alike with comprehensive strategic and creative marketing services until 2013.
Personal Journey with Pain
Concurrently, Rick was wrestling with chronic pain. A life-altering football injury led to three knee surgeries by age 20 —and three more by 40. In 2019, he underwent a partial revision of his original knee replacement, and his knee remains in a state of ongoing trauma. It was this continual journey through pain that inspired Rick to refine and upgrade his approach to resilience.
Birth of PLAN TO BE YOUR BEST
In 2012, leaders at the Federal Home Loan Banks asked Rick to design a fresh program for their annual leadership conference—a framework to help them and their teams navigate unprecedented challenges. That program evolved into PLAN TO BE YOUR BEST …As You Navigate Pain, melding Rick’s personal experience, his 20 years as a trained caregiver, and 30 years as a leadership consultant.
What the Method Offers
• For Individuals in Pain: A whole-person, adaptable approach that builds on existing strengths, cultivates new ones, and equips you to transform both moments as well as your life.
• For Resilient Leaders: A proven framework for leading with authenticity and courage, offering strategies and skills to guide teams through stress and change.
Current Work & Mission
Rick is completing his interactive workbook — an application guide to PLAN TO BE YOUR BEST — and continues to advance his mission: to equip and encourage people with the techniques they need to build resilience and thrive, no matter how tough things get.
Beyond Coaching
When he’s off-duty, Rick enjoys fitness, fishing, music, and being on the water.
Fun Trivia
Rick’s motivational flair even caught the Boston Bruins’ attention: he hosted their first-ever Game Show in the Garden for a private audience of 5,000, starring Bruins players as contestants. Ask him how it ended—it’s a guaranteed laugh!
To find out more about Dave, please go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com
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