BrainSHARE.us

The Foundation: Military Precision and Corporate Mastery

I started my professional journey in the United States military, working in military intelligence. That role demanded discipline, adaptability, and razor-sharp focus. The stakes were high, and solutions had to be clear. Those years taught me resilience, a problem-solving mindset, and the importance of staying committed to a mission no matter the obstacles.

After the military, I transitioned into the corporate world, spending 25 years at Hewlett-Packard. I thrived there, working across engineering, sales, management, and marketing. It was a place that constantly challenged me to innovate and grow, and I loved every minute of it. But even as I rose through the ranks, I felt there was something more I needed to do—something that could create a deeper impact.

In 2007, I retired from HP, ready to begin a new chapter. I didn’t know it then, but this next step would define my career and my life’s work.

The Mission: Helping Businesses Thrive

Starting BrainSHARE Business Mentors wasn’t easy. Despite all my experience, the first 18 to 24 months were some of the toughest of my life. Clients were few, and I was spending far more than I was earning. It was humbling and, honestly, frustrating. I came close to throwing in the towel.

Then, I found the right mentor. That relationship changed everything for me. My mentor helped me focus, regain my confidence, and revitalize my vision. That experience wasn’t just a turning point for BrainSHARE—it gave me a visceral understanding of the power of mentorship. I learned firsthand how transformative quality guidance can be, and it’s why I emphasize it so strongly in my own mentoring today.

With renewed clarity and focus, I set BrainSHARE on a path of growth. Today, we impact more than 2,000 businesses annually, and through our platform, BrainSHARE.us, we’ve helped over 10,000 businesses unlock their potential. And I’m not stopping there. My vision is to help another 10,000 businesses thrive by combining proven systems, technology, and a growing network of dedicated mentors.

The Traits That Define My Success

Looking back, I can point to three qualities that have defined my journey: resilience, clarity of vision, and an unrelenting commitment to growth.

• Resilience: Every challenge I’ve faced—from military missions to economic downturns—has been an opportunity to learn and grow. Resilience has been my cornerstone.
• Clarity of Vision: Knowing my purpose has always guided me. I’ve built my career around helping others achieve sustainable success, and that clarity has made every decision easier.
• Commitment to Growth: I believe in continuous learning, both personally and professionally. If I’m not growing, I’m not leading.

These traits aren’t just my foundation; they’re what I pass on to the businesses I mentor. By helping leaders develop resilience, focus their goals, and invest in growth, I’ve seen organizations not just succeed but truly thrive.

Overcoming Challenges: Lessons Learned

Every journey has its hurdles. For me, one of the biggest was learning to balance ambition with patience. Early on, I wanted immediate results, but I’ve since learned that success—like leadership—is a long game. Trusting the process and adapting when necessary have been critical lessons.

Economic downturns presented another challenge. Many of the businesses I mentored faced existential threats, and I had to guide them through turbulent times. It reinforced my belief in the importance of strong systems, agility, and focusing on what you can control. These lessons shaped not just my career but the lives of the business owners I’ve worked with.

True Recognition: Impact Over Awards

While I’ve earned certifications and accolades over the years, the greatest recognition comes from seeing tangible results. Watching a business owner rediscover their passion, a team achieve something they thought was impossible, or a community thrive because of a business’s success—that’s what matters to me.

Giving back is also a core part of my life. I’ve had the honor of serving on the Executive Board of The American Red Cross of Silicon Valley for multiple years and am currently on the Board of the College of Adaptive Arts, which provides equitable higher education opportunities for adults with special needs. I’m also proud to serve as Chairman of the Board for the Silicon Valley Central Chamber of Commerce, a role I’ve held in the past as well. These roles allow me to contribute to my community in meaningful ways.

The Future: Building a Network of Empowerment

My vision for the future of BrainSHARE is ambitious. I want to create a world where every business owner has access to the resources and mentorship they need to succeed. To do that, I’m building a network of like-minded mentors who share my philosophy: lead with purpose, empower others, and create lasting impact.

One mentor can change a life. A network of mentors can change the world.

My Advice for Aspiring Leaders

To those just starting their leadership journey, here’s my advice:

1. Define Your Why: Purpose is your foundation. Know it, and let it guide every decision.
2. Embrace Failure: Failure isn’t the end; it’s a stepping stone. Learn from it and move forward.
3. Invest in People: Success isn’t a solo journey. Build a strong team and nurture their growth.
4. Seek and Share Mentorship: Find mentors who inspire you, and be a mentor to others. The ripple effect is transformative.

A Legacy of Impact

For me, business has always been about more than profits. It’s about helping people build a life they love. Businesses exist to support life, not consume it. That belief drives everything I do.

Through resilience, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to growth, I’ve turned challenges into triumphs and aspirations into reality. My story is just one example of what’s possible when you lead with purpose and create a ripple effect that benefits everyone around you.

And the best part? I’m just getting started.

Joe