Reframe for Resilience - Episode 38: From Fired to Focused - Rediscovering Purpose with Dr. Ron Lewis

Reframe for Resilience

“After being fired three times, Dr. Ron Lewis realized it wasn’t the job—it was him. In this powerful conversation, he shares how self-awareness, rediscovery, and personal ownership transformed his failures into purpose. Watch as he and Dr. Frank Douglas explore how reframing challenges can unlock resilience and authentic leadership.”

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Episode Summary:

In this inspiring episode of Reframe for Resilience, host Dr. Frank L. Douglas sits down with Dr. Ron Lewis, Professor of Marketing and Sport Management, author of Gritty, and a leadership consultant.

Dr. Lewis opens up about a four-year period where he was fired from three different jobs — a humbling experience that sparked deep self-reflection and rediscovery.

Through books, introspection, and faith in growth, he transformed those setbacks into a foundation for purpose. Today, he’s a thriving educator and mentor, helping others embrace resilience by understanding their strengths and owning their stories.

This episode explores the powerful shift from seeing challenges as failures to viewing them as opportunities to rediscover who you really are.

Key Topics:

• Recognizing when the problem lies within, not the circumstance
• How repeated failure can become a catalyst for rediscovery
• The difference between skill gaps and perspective gaps
• Leadership as ownership and the importance of self-trust
• The role of community and self-reflection in personal growth
• Transitioning from struggle to significance through teaching and mentoring

Timeline Summary:

[00:04] – Introduction by Dr. Frank Douglas

[01:35] – Dr. Lewis shares his early career and being fired three times

[05:13] – The turning point: realizing the issue was within himself

[06:35] – Discovering strengths and redefining leadership principles

[09:27] – Building resilience through ownership, trust, and respect

[10:03] – Finding support from family and the “Community of One” concept

[11:02] – Transitioning into academia during COVID-19

[12:00] – Mentoring student-athletes and bridging sports with leadership

[13:06] – Final principles for resilience: Embrace, Empower, and Act

Links & Resources:

• Gritty by Dr. Ron Lewis and Dr. Don Lewis: Link here
• Connect with Dr. Frank L. Douglas at Safe Haven Dialogues LLC
• Listen to more episodes at Reframe for Resilience Podcast

Closing Remark:

Dr. Lewis reminds us that resilience is not about fixing what’s broken—it’s about rediscovering what’s been there all along. When life puts you “in the frame,” step out, reflect, and reframe your perspective. True strength begins with ownership, trust, and the courage to grow through what you go through.