Meet Jonathan R. Parker | Speaker | Author | Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jonathan R. Parker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jonathan, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?

There’s a line in The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho that I say all the time, and it sums this up well: “When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.”

This idea truly drives me—not only to improve myself, but also to guide others on their own journeys. There’s a magic—an alchemy—to watching the things around us unfold beyond our expectations when we do the work of becoming a better version of ourselves each day.

My specific expertise is in communication and conversation and the way it impacts peoples’ lives (personally and professionally). I believe that if people knew themselves deeper, better, and truer, they would be able to unlock more and more potential within, and as a result, would be known and recognized from without as meaningful and impactful conversation-makers.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I am a speaker, trainer, executive coach, and author—but at the end of the day, I am really just a conversationalist.

See, I believe that conversations are art. Everyone is an artist, whether we recognize it or not; and our art is our conversation. When we speak, our words paint a picture that is remembered and experienced like seeing a work of art for the first time, be it a masterpiece or a cheap knockoff.

The work that I do is first about inviting people into embracing their identity as vocal artists, and then giving them the skills to become seen and understood as creators of conversational beauty and grace. Whether I am training an executive team or giving a keynote address, I never get tired of sharing the art of the conversation.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Although I’m based in Greenville, SC, I absolutely love the Atlanta area, and my wife and I are definitely foodies. So, if I had a week-long trip to visit the ATL scene thoroughly…dinners would be at Iberian Pig, Kimball House, and LEON’s. I would do a beer tour during the days, making sure to check out Three Taverns and Brick Store while also venturing out a little to Creature Comforts and Good Word. Downtown, I would hit up a show at Fox Theatre, State Farm, or The Benz.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My remarkable and talented wife, Jessica Parker. For close to 19 years, she has been my best friend, partner in all of life, and a consistent voice into my life and story.

Learn more about Jonathan Parker:

Website: https://www.thejonathanrparker.com/

Instagram: @thejonathanrparker

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejonathanrparker/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejonathanr.parker3342

Image Credits: Rachel Smith